This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
Kenya: Renewed Optimism Amid Covid-19 Pandemic ¶
Published on May 12, 2020
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global economy, Kenya has seen a surprising surge in demand for essential goods and services. The country's stay and work-from-home model has taken root, with many businesses adapting to the new reality.
Manufacturers have diverted their production lines to produce essential healthcare provisions, such as personal protective equipment (PPEs), masks, and sanitizers. The demand for these items has skyrocketed, with many businesses working around the clock to meet the demand.
According to Phyllis Wakiaga, Chief Executive of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, several businesses have had to double their shifts to meet the demand. "The disruption of the global supply chain has pushed essential service providers to go the extra mile, as the country puts in place measures to contain and minimize the spread of the virus," she said.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan automotive sector has offered to retool motor vehicle factories to make adaptations of ventilators. Firms like Mobius Motors and Associated Vehicles Assemblies are exploring mechanisms and sourcing for funding to start local production of ventilators.
Trade and Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina has been visiting various businesses to inspect their operations and provide support. "While businesses that provide non-essential services may have taken a hit, sectors that are in the business of making items that are required at present are doing okay. Supermarkets are still quite busy. Local food producers in all their variety are still doing just fine," she said.
Textile fabricators and seamstresses have also turned their tailoring machines into mask-making enterprises, as the demand for masks has skyrocketed. Last month, textile manufacturers offered their seamstresses for the newly available job of sewing surgical masks.
It has turned out to be a bonanza for Kenya's near-dead textile industry, including Eldoret-based Rivatex and Kitui County Textile Centre (Kicotec). Kicotec has halted all other production to be a 24-hour production house for masks, producing 30,000 pieces daily. Rivatex is also engaged in mass production of surgical masks.
Streaming giants, both local and foreign, have also stepped up efforts to ensure sustenance of the shift of majority of the workforce from offices to homes. Safaricom, Zuku, Jamii telecoms, as well as communication and marketing techprenuers like Google, Microsoft, Zoom and e-commerce platforms are some of the businesses raking in big business, as demand surged.
Local app-based delivery services have also seen a boom in business as more customers shop online. Jumia has partnered with Carrefour supermarket, Glovo with Naivas, and Sendy with Tuskys to introduce home delivery services.
