Covid-19: Gov’t to Distribute Free Hand Sanitizers to Kenyans

The government is set to distribute free alcohol-based sanitizers to Kenyans as part of the measures to combat the spread of coronavirus.

In a statement on Thursday, Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua divulged that Kenyan manufacturers have agreed to produce the sanitizers for free as long as they are supplied with ethanol.

Consequently, Kinyua directed the release of all ethanol held under any offenses at various ports and customs to be used to make the sanitizers for public use.

“Kenya Pipeline Company will utilize an accountability framework for the manufacture and distribution of the sanitizers,” Kinyua said.

A multi-agency team has been tasked to identify all ethanol held at various ports and customs and release it KPC which will then liaise with the companies in the oil industry for manufacture and distribution of the product.

The confirmation of Covid-19 cases in Kenya has led to an increase in the prices of hand sanitizers due to the high demand.

The Health Ministry on Wednesday confirmed three more Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections to seven.

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the cases were confirmed at the National Influenza Centre and Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) laboratories.

The three include a couple who arrived in the country from Madrid, Spain via Dubai on March 5th and a Burundian national who traveled from Dubai and arrived on Tuesday, March 17th.