The Equity Bank Group in partnership with the COVID-19 Emergency Fund Board and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is supporting local manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs).
The Bank's Group CEO Dr Jame Mwangi together with other heads from the various participants Wednesday paid a visit to various manufacturers of the said locally made PPEs.
Some of the local manufacturers include; Kicotec, Texplast, Manchester Outfitters, Alpha Knits and EPZ Shona.
The Bank's Group CEO Dr Jame Mwangi together with other heads from the various participants Wednesday paid a visit to various manufacturers of the said locally made PPEs.
Some of the local manufacturers include; Kicotec, Texplast, Manchester Outfitters, Alpha Knits and EPZ Shona.
Dr. Mwangi said during the tour, “We have witnessed the improvement that local manufacturers have made in the quality of locally manufactured PPEs. The manufacturers are also taking specializations such as production of raw materials while others are focusing on finished PPEs such as surgical gowns, gloves, surgical masks, head covers, gumboots medical scrubs and shoe covers. The creation of local medical supply chains is already starting to crystalize, and this will be a big development for our health sector. In addition, the supply chains have already demonstrated economic benefits of job retention and creation. A majority of PPE manufacturers have recalled their staff and others are increasing their workforce.”
He added, “By creating a strong local manufacturing capacity in the country, we will be guaranteeing a steady supply of PPEs and hedge against global supply chain disruptions while also supporting the national economy.”
Phylis Wakiaga, who chairs the Procurement Committee of the COVID-19 Fund Board said, “We are very delighted with the quick turnaround by the COVID -19 Fund Board resolution to mobilize local manufacturers and support them with training and technical assistance in the production of PPEs. Today at least seven local manufacturers have acquired the capacity to produce PPEs to meet local and regional needs.” She added, “We see a great opportunity for Kenya to develop into a regional manufacturing hub for medical grade PPEs that meet international standards at affordable costs.”
The local production for PPEs was initiated when EGF in partnership with Equity Bank, the family of Dr James Mwangi and Mastercard Foundation mobilized Kshs 1.1 billion towards the provision of PPEs for frontline healthcare workers dealing with COVID-19 patients. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Fund Board the initiative sought to achieve the national objective of protecting medical personnel while promoting the creation of a local medical supply ecosystem that would mitigate the disruption of the global supply chain. Equity has committed to work with KAM Members by extending financing and entrepreneurship training in order to meet the demand for medical supplies as well as build their businesses.
Advertisements
Write a comment
Post a Comment
Loans Kenya Blog admin will never approve abusive or inciteful comments. In addition, avoid including sensitive or private personal information in your comments for your own online safety.