Multi-Billion US Firms Jump to Kenya's Aid

Google Headquartes in San Jose, Carlifonia
Google Headquarters in San Jose, California
File

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) companies have come together to aid the government in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement sent to newsrooms on Wednesday, April 1, informs that AmCham Kenya, together with its members are implementing various measures aimed at supporting the Kenyan Government in its policy and behavioural protocols during the on-going COVID-19 crisis.

The Chamber's Board President (Kenya) Philippine Mtikitiki stated that the AmCham companies were looking forward to providing support and contribute to the country's fight against COVID-19.

“Our members remain committed, ready and willing to support the Government of Kenya and Kenyans through this unprecedented crisis.

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya Board President Phillipine Mtikitiki.
The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya Board President Philippine Mtikitiki.
File

"We welcome the opportunity to engage and further explore ways in which American businesses can provide support and contribute to the country’s overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” she was quoted.

In the statement, it was further announced that companies including Coca-Cola, Google, Microsoft, Johnson and Johnson, and Cisco were already playing a role in the fight against COVID-19.

Coca-Cola was reported to be in partnership with a non-profit health organization to secure medical supplies and the Kenya Red Cross to provide hydration and beverages to medical staff working on the frontline of testing quarantine centres.

Johnson and Johnson was further reported to be providing nursing training support through the World Continuing Education Alliance (WCEA) digital platform.

The content of the platform consists of the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved curriculum that is reportedly being adapted by Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa and the Nursing Council.

Microsoft and Google are also reported to be supporting remote learning for educational institutions by providing free access to the Microsoft Teams Platform in conjunction with the KICD as it updates education material for its online platform.

Google has also created a website for distance learning resources where it provides technical support to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in broadcasting its school lessons live on YouTube.

Google has also extended advanced features of its video conferencing tool - Hangout Meet - for free to all subscribers of its suite of office productivity, including schools who get the suite for free.

An image of medical officers in a hospital
Medical staff in protective suits in a hospital.

IBM, on the other hand, is enabling remote online learning by making available their online learning platform, free training on new technologies including certification and online job search engine.

At the local level, Del Monte Kenya is also partnering with the County Government of Murang’a to provide machinery and labour for fumigation of marketplaces, shopping centres, villages and where possible, offices.

 

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