The Kakamega Governor, Wycliffe Oparanya has said the students from the County who are studying in China are safe.
The governor, who spoke when the Acting Vice Chancellor of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Prof. Solomon Shibairo paid him a courtesy call on Tuesday, said the 38 students studying at Shanghai University are doing well.
“I had been worried of their wellbeing when Covid-19 broke out but I am now relaxed after they assured me that they are fine,” he stated, adding that the students also said they have not been affected by the recent racial attacks against Africans in China as reported by a section of the media.
The county government sponsors needy and bright students from the county to study engineering and medicine in China.
Oparanya said they are in the process of acquiring ventilators to fight the coronavirus and the County Response Team is working around the clock to ensure they are well prepared.
He noted that once Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital is complete, they will partner with the MMUST Medical School for training as well as offering specialised medical services.
The Governor appointed Prof. John Okoth from the university to chair the multi-sectoral response team against Covid-19 in the county.
Prof. Shibairo highlighted the efforts the institution has made in the fight against Covid-19 including manufacturing of hand sanitisers and soap.
The VC said they will also be offering online mapping of people in the county and training more health workers, community volunteers and the community at large.
The institution will also be used as a quarantine and isolation centre, he stated.
By Sammy Mwibanda
