DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING

Machakos University’s Efforts to Combat Covid-19

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) continues to spread in Kenya and livelihoods of many households in the country have been severely impacted by some of the measures prescribed by the Government through the Ministry of Health
to deal with the pandemic.

Machakos Univesity as a major institution of higher learning forcused on its mandate of community service, has taken the following efforts towards combating this pandemic.

⦁ Hand Sanitizer

Machakos University has managed to come up with hand sanitizer and on 4th May 2020, a sample was taken to Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) for cerification. The making of this sanitizer was a collaboration of division of RIL, headed by DVC-RIL Prof.Peter Mwita, Dr Mailu- who is also the Deputy Registrar Academics and students Affairs), staff scientists, students and Income Generating Unit of the University.
Once certified by KEBS, the univesity will embark on mass production with intention of alleviating shortage of hand sanitizers which are essential for fighting COVID-19 disease.

⦁ Hand Washing Detergent and Multiple Detergent

Apart from the above hand sanitizer which is yet to be certified by KEBS, the University through Income Generating Unit (IGU) also produces hand washing detergent and multiple detergents which have already been certified by KEBS and are available to the public at minimum costs.

⦁ Hands Free Sanitizing Machine System

In order to automate hand washing, the engineering staff and students from the School of Engineering and Technology have created a hands free sanitizing machine. The machine is made in such way that it is operated by the toes and hands cannot be contaminated by touching anyway as one washes. The machine is ready for use and it is ideal for public places where we have many people.

⦁ Facemask Production (as a corporate social responsibility)

Facemasks are among the key items for fighting COVID-19 but for many households faced with economic challenges, food is the priority. Although the Government and well-wishers have mobilized some food donations, the demand for good quality masks is largely unmet. This situation can greatly retard the current efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Therefore, to ease this burden of masks, Machakos University, intends to join the production and distribution of reusable face-masks to vulnerable households for free as a corporate social responsibility. The University has capacity (equipment & personnel) to produce 1,000 facemasks per day, at a cost of KShs.39.00 per piece. To archieve this target, the University has sought to produce and distribute these facemasks with support and collaboration of the County Government of Machakos. A proposal and facemask samples have been delivered to the County Government of Machakos for consideration.

Therefore, to ease this burden of masks, Machakos University, intends to join the production and distribution of reusable face-masks to vulnerable households for free as a corporate social responsibility. The University has capacity (equipment & personnel) to produce 1,000 facemasks per day, at a cost of KShs.39.00 per piece. To archieve this target, the University has sought to produce and distribute these facemasks with support and collaboration of the County Government of Machakos. A proposal and facemask samples have been delivered to the County Government of Machakos for consideration.