The Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has started production of hand washing soap, sanitisers, chlorine and disinfectants to boost the fight against Coronavirus in Kakamega County.
The University’s Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Solomon Shibairo said they are using the chemistry laboratory to produce over 1,000 litres of the various chemical solutions that would then be given to the county government for distribution to the residents.
Prof Shibairo is however appealing to well-wishers to chip in to enable the university purchase reagents saying the institution has the capacity of producing over 2,000 litres of the solutions a day.
The don highlighted the importance of devising homegrown solutions in combating the Covid-19 pandemic adding external assistance is at the moment unreliable.
The VC added that the institution is collaborating with the county government to train health workers and training of trainers (TOTs) to ensure that the pandemic is contained.
“We have formed a Covid-19 rapid response team consisting of teachers, students and other staff which is working closely with the county government to enhance surveillance and response across the county,” he stated.
The university’s head of the Covid-19 response team, who doubles up as the Dean School of Nursing midwifery, Prof John Okoth said some of the institution’s facilities would be used as isolation centres.
He also disclosed that a plan is underway to set aside a Covid-19 patients-only hospital to separate the suspected Coronavirus cases from the rest of patients.
By Sammy Mwibanda and Remigius Maloba
Masinde Muliro University Starts Production of Anti-Covid-19 Chemicals
