The Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has donated Covid-19 protective gear worth more than Sh10m to counties within the North Rift Economic Block (NOREB).
The KVDA Managing Director (MD), Sammy Naporos said the donation to the eight counties was meant to supplement the national and county governments efforts in containing the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus disease.
Naporos handed over the consignment that included 42, 000 face masks, hand sanitizers, water tanks gloves among other items to the NOREB Chairman, Jackson Mandago in Eldoret on Thursday.
The MD expressed hope that the donation would assist the NOREB counties of Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo and Samburu to deal with the threats posed by the dreaded pandemic.
“This is KVDA’s contribution considering the need to join hands as a nation in a concerted effort towards fighting the spread and adverse impact of the deadly disease,” said Naporos.
He appealed to other well-wishers, including multi-national companies, state agencies and Kenyans of goodwill to support the County and National governments by contributing generously towards the emergency kitty to deal with the challenges posed by the disease.
In his remarks, the NOREB Chairman said priority would be given to the elderly and hundreds of vulnerable people living in urban informal settlements when distributing the kits.
“Priority will be given to those aged 60 and above living in the rural and urban informal settlements, when we shall be distributing the consignment.” stressed Mandago, who is also the Governor of Uasin Gishu County.
On the alleged mistreatment of Africans in China, Mandago regretted that China is a friendly nation and economic partner to many African nations yet it allowed such oppression to happen in their country.
Mandago appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta to send a strong protest to the Chinese government and to reconsider Kenya’s diplomatic relations if the Chinese failed to act.
By Kiptanui Cherono
