The US Embassy Nairobi, Kenya has donated 40,000 face masks to Border Police Unit (BPU) to help the unit remain effective as COVID-19 pandemic continues.
US ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter while speaking at the handover event on Friday said that the face masks were donated through funding by the Department of State’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme.
He said that this will go a long way in securing Kenyan borders who could become porous as a result of the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 crisis reminds us all of the importance of establishing and maintaining secure borders. The Border Police Unit has been a valuable and enthusiastic partner of the United States, and we are proud to support them in their critical role of securing Kenya’s borders.
“We hope these facemasks will help the BPU strengthen the bonds they have formed with the people they protect and serve while supporting the health of Kenyans living in border areas,” said ambassador McCarter.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow who received the donation said that Kenya appreciates America’s show of goodwill.
“The United States has been a valuable partner of Kenya and a firm supporter of the BPU in the fight against terrorism. Now that we face another common enemy in the coronavirus, we welcome the support of our friend and partner in helping us protect and serve the Kenyan people,” Gabow said.
The donation comes after 52 people tested positive for coronavirus.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe of Friday in Machakos County said that a total of 2,567 samples were tested.
Total confirmed cases are now at 1,161.
Nairobi has 23 cases, while Mombasa and Busia have seven cases each.
Kagwe said that five more people have been discharged after recovering putting the recovered cases at 380.
The CS also said that issues of PPE shortage are now a thing of the past as Kenya has started their production. He added that there will be no more imports of PPEs.
“Our industry is now able to make better PPEs locally. The government will also recruit 5,000 community health workers to help fight the disease,” he said.
