Kenyan-Made Ventilators Receive Government Approval, Paving Way for Mass Production
The government has approved prototypes of Kenyan-made ventilators, paving the way for mass production of the life-saving medical equipment.
The ventilators developed by Kenya Association of Manufacturers’ (KAM) automotive sector were presented to Trade and Industrialization CS Betty Maina on Tuesday after they received approval from Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs).
CS Maina said the invention of the respirators is a major boost to Kenya’s fight against the Covid-19 disease that has so far infected 296 people and killed 14 others.
“KAM’s automotive sector is tapping into homegrown talent and expertise to develop ventilators that can be produced immediately for use in hospitals. We can see the amount of innovation that is possible in our country.”
“A challenge was given to the manufacturers and we have seen a lot coming into the market. 75% of the materials used in the production are locally sourced,” said Ms. Maina.
On her part, KAM CEO Phyllis Wakiaga said the innovation underscores the local industry’s capacity to manufacture products for local use and export.
“This ventilator named PUMUAISHI 2.0 shall be patented and supplied locally, but will also be produced for the export markets. KEBS has made standards for critical medical items free on its website and expediting approval of products,’’ noted Wakiaga.
“Homegrown solutions are key to sustaining the fight against coronavirus whilst cushioning the economy from shocks arising out of the virus. In the event of a power blackout, this ventilator is equipped with a four-hour battery enabling it to continue service to patients.”
The ventilator was developed by a team of local experts including programmers, biomedical engineers, doctors, and automotive engineers.
Members of the team hailed from different companies among them Mutsimoto Motor Company, Mobius Motors, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Aga Khan University, among others.
Comments (13)
Wah!what a wonderful piece of innovation from our own patriots...we are so proud of this n it makes me even feel more proudier(if there was such an English word)to be a Kenyan.
Thumbs up for all of u
All a long I have believed Kenya has great, bright minds. What os lacking is identifying these talents through a well defined education system to nurture that. Also the government to avail some resources (financial &material), to enable widening of knowledge and skills in the same field.
Me thinks what lacks is government support/confidence, period. How many times have we seen local guys making flying objects like aeroplanes..scooters.. and the guys in government read the news just like you and me would... they let it pass.
This makes me swell with pride.
How many can they assemble?
Kudos to our local experts. These would be helpful beyond COVID-19. I look forward to more innovations from Kenya. It is time we put our talents to work! Asanteni
Thank you Corona virus for making Kenyan leaders wake up! This talent has been in existence in Kenya since the beginning of time.
Well, it's about time. We as Kenyans are so full of innovation waiting to explode but our leaders get lazy and just want to import. Now let the situation teach you to fix your house first. I am proud of everyone involved, let us continue to grow together as a people. YES!
I am really proud of everyone involved. We as Kenyans are full of innovation to grow our country waiting to explode but our leaders get lazy and just import. Now let the situation teach you to fix your house first. Its time to grow at a faster pace. Together as a people. YES!
Good job to local innovators.At least the government has been pushed by circumstances to support them for once
Congratulations this is money not spent on substandard goods from China.Many countries are realizing they can do without cheap Chinese imports.If the rest of the world can reject Chinese goods that country will collapse like they way they tried to take over the world with their manufactured virus from a Wuhan lab.
There is a lot more Kenyans can do, however corruption and political superiority have taken a toll.
Why is such a relevant piece of information being blighted with an imagine suggesting the hand of a foreign (supposedly Asian ) presence? Or is this a Chinese invention clothed with Kenyan robs?
We can do it entirely by ourselves, can’t we?