Kisii University has recalled members of staff from the tailoring department to help in producing free masks after Covid-19 cases in the country rose to 225.
In a report by Citizen TV on Thursday, April 16, Kisii University Vice-Chancellor John Akama noted that the institution saw the decision to be a proper way to complement government efforts in preventing the spread of the pandemic.
"As a University, we realized that we need to play a role, even if it is a small role in supporting the government and Kenyans in fighting this pandemic, particularly in trying to control and minimize the spread.
"We are going to issue them for free, and I believe that this is a very good contribution to the government's efforts," Akama stated.
One of the members of staff who spoke to Citizen TV stated that when they saw the pandemic slowly getting out of hand, they welcomed the decision by the VC and came in to work as a team.
"When we saw that things were getting bad, countrywide, the VC recalled us to help make masks for all those who need them so that we can support the people around here," the worker stated.
Akama informed that he had witnessed unscrupulous businessmen extorting area residents by selling disposable masks at exorbitant prices that the people could not easily afford, a matter that prompted him to take action.
"What is happening in our country, even in Kisii County, is that people are selling a single mask that you are going to use and dispose of in a day for Ksh200," he revealed.
He added that the University was planning to donate thousands of those masks to neighbouring counties in the spirit of fighting the pandemic.
"We are going to give them to the County government of Kisii, Nyamira and other County governments like Migori so that they are given to the health workers and even to the general population," he stated.
The masks, which are made of cotton, will be issued mostly to bodaboda riders and market vendors. The masks can be cleaned and reused.
The move to recall these workers comes at a time when courts are planning to officially reopen as from April 22, 2020, as informed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi.
"We confirm that further to the meeting of NCAJ Council yesterday, all Courts, Tribunals and Registries will be reopened effective 22.4.2020. The Judiciary will implement directives issued by MoH on hygiene and social distancing. The public and advocates are directed to comply," he announced on Thursday, April 16.
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