The government has created a National Multi-Agency Command Centre, dubbed “Operation Kinga Corona” to manage the coronavirus crisis and restore normalcy after the pandemic.
The team comprising ministries, departments and agencies as well as key humanitarian service providers is based in Embakasi, Nairobi. The team is led by Major General Ayub Matiiri.
The agency has already held its first meeting with manufacturers and suppliers of critical items such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
This is in line with government’s measures aimed at stopping the spread of the deadly disease.
The government, according to Matiiri (above), is supporting local manufacturing as well as acquisition of Covid-19-related supplies locally and from outside the country.
Government agencies are expected to provide guidance and consultancy in port clearance, testing, design, and prototyping to ensure a steady supply.
Fast-track
During a meeting held last week, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) committed to fast-track quality and safety assessment processes and prioritise covid-19 related assessments and tests over other activities.
Manufacturers, under the auspices of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), said they were ready to support the government in the fight against the pandemic.
Matiiri challenged manufactures and suppliers to rise to the challenge and move with speed to check the spread of the virus which has infected 142 in Kenya and claimed four lives.
Established through a recommendation by the National Security Advisory Committee on March 25, the National Multi Agency Command Centre has been mandated, on the basis of priorities established by the government, to immediately develop strategic preparedness and response involving all key players in the government.
The team is further charged with the task of rapidly establishing coordination to deliver strategic, technical and operational support through existing mechanisms and partnerships across the country.
