Kenyan textile industry, Rivatex Textile Company has pledged to manufacture 5,000 masks daily to help Kenyans protect themselves against the spread of coronavirus.
The textile manufacturer based in Uasin Gishu says it can manufacture 5,000 masks and is ready to start.
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa said that the masks will retail at Sh40 compared to the current market price of Sh150.
“The government is already in talks with the Rivatex management on how the production will start soon because we urgently require the protection material for medical staff and the public,” Jaldesa said according to the Star.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno vouched for Rivatex’s capability to meet the production target of the masks.
He said with 2,000 employees and functioning machinery, everything is set.
“Rivatex has the capacity to produce the required masks for local use and for export,” Chemno said.
Prof Thomas Kurgat, Rivtex CEO said although they are facing the shortage of cotton, they will continue with production as a way to support the government’s efforts in taming coronavirus.
The demand for masks is set to increase following a directive by the Ministry of Health requiring all boda boda operators in the country to wear masks.
Rivatex was revived by Moi University three years ago and is up and running with new machinery and other logistics estimated to cost Sh6 billion. The Indian government has been a key partner in ensuring that it keeps running by supporting the company’s expansion plan.
