With all commuters, matatu and bodaboda operators required to wear face masks, acting Ministry of Health Director-General Patrick Amoth, has revealed the right kind of masks that should be used by the public.
Many have jumped into turning the huge demand for face masks to a business, but are they really supplying the public with the right types of masks?
In a press briefing on Thursday, April 2, Amoth explained the right types of masks to be used, "The mask that we have distributed is a three-layered mask basically and this is where we want to start local manufacturing.
"The outer layer is made up of material that is water repellant also called hydrophobic so if there is any spillage of blood or secretions then it does not come into contact with you."
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that healthy people only need to wear them if they are caring for others suspected of being infected or if they themselves are coughing or sneezing.
Layers
Most of the masks being sold lack a filtering layer which is critical according to Amoth, "If you cut a cross-section of the mask, there is a middle layer that has a filter.
"That filter is supposed to be able to pick particulate matter and bacteria, therefore stopping you from inhaling the particulate matter or the bacteria.
"The third inner layer is the layer that absorbs sweat, any secretions or any spit from the person, maybe you are taking care of or the person you are talking to.
"So this is an additional measure that we have decided to deploy especially for public facilities."
According to health experts, reusable cloth masks are also not recommended and may even increase the chance of infection.
WHO also emphasises that masks are only effective if combined with frequent hand-washing and used and disposed of properly.
Local Tailors
Kitui County Textile Centre (KICOTEC) and Rivatex East Africa have rolled out mass production of face masks to boost the fight against Coronavirus.
Health Cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that local tailors will be allowed to produce masks for public use in light of the huge demand and the global shortage of masks.
The legitimisation of this local production make it necessary for Kenyans to be aware of the quality of masks they will be purchasing or risk spending money on masks that would not offer any protection.
"Local tailors will soon be producing masks for everyone. We urge all local mask producers to sell masks very cheaply, in the cents, not in the shillings," Kagwe stated in a press briefing on Thursday, April 2.
