This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
On May 24, 2020, Kiambu County received a significant boost in its fight against COVID-19 after over 50 companies donated in excess of Sh135 million. The donations were made to the Kiambu Covid-19 kitty, which was launched at the county headquarters.
According to Kiambu Governor James Nyoro, the county was still in dire need of Sh2 billion to effectively combat the pandemic. He noted that businesses had been adversely affected, and the county government had waived cess fees to all food transporters following a directive by the Council of Governors.
Several businesses in Kiambu County had threatened closure and layoffs of employees due to the pandemic. To cushion them, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by President Richard Ngatia, had begun receiving loans from the Sh200 billion deal signed with Equity Bank.
Ngatia encouraged farmers to continue producing various agricultural products, adding that the government had negotiated with 12 African countries to buy Kenyan products. He also noted that the deal would enhance continuity amid mass closures of business due to the aftershocks of the pandemic.
Thika Cloth Mills CEO Tejal Dodhia expressed concerns about the cotton industry, which was one of the worst hit since the clothing industry was unable to get contracts due to the effects of the virus. She urged NGOs, hospitals, and other organizations that rely on fabric to give business opportunities locally instead of importing.
Governor Nyoro noted that the kitty would also be used to streamline healthcare in the county, saying resources had already been overstretched due to overpopulation. He added that the county had a target of feeding 27,000 vulnerable households across the county.
