Photo/ Pulse Live

By Clifford Akumu

The World Bank has donated 250 ventilators aimed at helping Kenya in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Health Cabinet Secretary, Mutahi Kagwe during his daily press briefing on the status of the virus reassured the nation there was no shortage of medical equipment just yet, adding the government is already importing ventilators and masks.

Kagwe, however, reiterated that the country is alive to the shortage of medical equipment that the pandemic has caused across the globe and are working round the clock to tame any panic.

“We are making every effort to acquire the ventilators, masks and any other sanitary equipment needed in the fight against the virus,” said Kagwe adding that more ICU beds are also being sort.

Photo/ KNA

Kenya’s total Coronavirus cases now stand at 42, after four more cases tested positive yesterday. The three cases are from Nairobi County with the other case from Mombasa County.

Nairobi County remains on the spot as the epicenter of the pandemic in the country after recording 31 patients, followed distantly by  Kilifi County at 6 patients, Mombasa County at 3 while Kajiado and Kwale one patient respectively.

So far there are 24 male and 18 female positive cases in the country, with about 1,426 people who came into contact with the Coronavirus cases being closely monitored.

He said the government is mulling at roping in local manufacturers with the ability to produce such medical equipment should they encounter shortages in the future.

Already the textile industry in the country has confirmed their ability to manufacture masks should the need arise.

With doctors and healthcare workers at the forefront of tackling the virus, there is a need to avail to them sufficient safety protective gear even as the world stares at an increased shortage.

“We need to start thinking of manufacturing some of these protective gears locally,” Betty Maina, the Cabinet Secretary of Trade and Industrialization noted the manufacturing sector has the capacity to be able to supply the country with ventilators and masks.

Photo/ Nation

CS Kagwe also said 1426 who came into close contact with the COVID-19 cases in the country are being monitored and warned politicians against peddling falsehood on matters surrounding Coronavirus in the country with an aim of gaining political millage terming it ‘misleading and unnecessary.

His warning came after Dagoretti South Member of Parliament and former comedian John Kiarie sparked a nationwide debate after writing on his Twitter handle that thousands of people were put on mandatory quarantine at deplorable state.


The MP was taken in for questioning by the authorities and was later released on bail.

But in a quick rejoinder, Kagwe noted that only 2050 individuals had been put on mandatory quarantine.

“All Kenyans should embrace the fight against the Coronavirus. I repeat this is not a government affair.” Adding “It is a good thing when your child is in quarantine…..We are not releasing anybody on a friendship basis. Personally, I have relatives under quarantine,” he reiterated.

On the ongoing dusk to dawn curfew, which enters the fourth day, Kagwe urged employers to release their employees earlier or prepare accommodation for them to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.

And in order to be ready for any healthcare emergencies arising from an increase in patients, the government plans to employ additional 1000 health personnel in every medical institution.

As of now, we do not have shortages of healthcare workers. But, we will only hire more on a needs basis,” he assured.

Kagwe also stressed on the need for Kenyans to observe hygienic behavior and practice social distancing to speed the quest of flattening the transmission curve.

“Let us break the transmission circle and prove to the world that we can do it by following the laid down measures,” he added.

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