US Donates 40,000 Facemasks to Kenyan Border Police

The US has donated 40,000 facemasks to Kenya’s Border Police Unit (BPU) to help its members protect themselves from the coronavirus disease.

The protective masks donated through funding by the Department of State’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme were handed over to Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Gabow by US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter on Friday, May 22nd.

Ambassador McCarter said Kenyan borders cannot remain safe if officers manning them are at risk of contracting Covid-19.

“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,” he said.

“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.” 

On his part, Deputy IG Gabow said: “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.” 

As of Friday, May 22nd, there were 1,161 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kenya, out of which 380 have recovered while 50 have lost their lives.