The COG Steps up on Anti COVID-19 War

Governors outline measures, call for support in fight against Corona Virus

Council of Governors chairman, Wycliffe Oparanya (second right) flanked by Governors Paul Chepkwony of Kericho, Martin Wambora, Embu and Nyandarua's Francis Kimemia during a press conference on Wednesday, April 1. Image//Courtesy.

Governors have called on the national Government to put in place Economic Stimulus interventions for small and micro enterprises as a way of cushioning them against the economic impact of the Corona virus. 

Speaking during a press conference, the Governors, through their council, however noted that County Governments have taken stern measures to fight infections and spread of the virus. 

Council of Governors Chairman, Wycliffe Oparanya, said that 24 counties have functional ICU facilities adding that, cumulatively there are 161 ventilators in the County ICUs. 

"We need support from the national government to acquire approximately 300 more ventilators," said Governor Oparanya. 

The Governors revealed that the National Government has agreed to support Counties to recruit additional 6,656 health workers in different cadres for Covid- 19 emergency only. 

Counties have so far received 694 pieces of surgical masks, 32,000 face masks, 910 medical disposal overalls and 735 Face shields from Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA).

Further, 610 pieces of goggles 610, 769 boxes of examination gloves containing 5 pairs in each, 140 pairs of Gumboots, 2,000 N95 masks and 167 sets of complete PPEs have been distributed to counties. 

As much as most counties have isolation facilities, they have been requested by the National Government to expand their Ward level capacity.

It has been agreed by the National Coordinating Committee that more isolation places be identified in Counties and these could include boarding schools to serve as isolation facilities; governors have agreed to identify these facilities. 

County governments are sensitizing members of the public on the need to adhere to the government guidelines on infection prevention in local vernacular languages and sign languages. 

The Council of Governors further requests the National Government to lower electricity tariffs for all medical facilities in the Country and not to disconnect in case delay in payment for the next 3 months.

Lastly, County Governments have agreed to waive CESS on foodstuff and transportation of the same. 

Following the agreement between the Council and Kenya Pipeline Company Limited, for the supply of 20,000 litres of sanitizers per week, the Council will with effect from today supply counties with sanitizers.

Counties with active confirmed cases will receive 520 litres per week, Counties classified as high risk will receive 420 litres per week and all other counties will receive 400 litres per week.