This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
On May 22, 2020, the United States Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter, made a significant donation to the Border Police Unit (BPU) in the fight against COVID-19. The Ambassador presented 40,000 facemasks to the BPU, which were made possible through funding by the Department of State's Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program.
The facemasks, produced locally in Kenya, are designed to educate Kenyans about how to protect themselves from COVID-19. Each mask comes in packaging with public health information, promoting awareness and prevention. The donation not only supports the BPU in maintaining a healthy force but also enables them to distribute facemasks to Kenyans in need during their patrols.
Ambassador McCarter emphasized the importance of securing borders during the pandemic, stating, “The COVID-19 crisis reminds us all of the importance of establishing and maintaining secure borders.” He noted that the BPU has been a valuable partner of the United States and that supporting them in their critical role is key.
Deputy Inspector General Noor Gabow expressed gratitude for the United States' support, saying, “Now that we face another common enemy in the coronavirus, we welcome the support of our friend and partner in helping us protect and serve the Kenyan people.”
The donation is a testament to the long-standing commitment of the United States to help Kenya preserve and maintain both its physical security and public health. The Ambassador's words, “We hope these facemasks will help the BPU strengthen the bonds they have formed with the people they protect and serve while supporting the health of Kenyans living in border areas,” reflect the United States' dedication to supporting Kenyan solutions to the pandemic.
