Rivatex managing director Thomas Kipkurgat told the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) that the ministry had already approved samples of the special personal protective equipment (PPEs) which are friendly to learners.
The masks will have cotton straps as opposed to elastic straps that are not child-friendly.
The Education ministry and Rivatex East Africa have inked a deal for mass production of child-friendly face masks for schools to help curb the spread of coronavirus, the Eldoret-based textile firm told Parliament yesterday.
Rivatex managing director Thomas Kipkurgat told the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee (PIC) that the ministry had already approved samples of the special personal protective equipment (PPEs) which are friendly to learners.
The masks will have cotton straps as opposed to elastic straps that are not child-friendly.
“The type of masks to be produced have been approved by the ministry. They have given us local purchase order and we are now waiting instructions on the quantity of masks to be produced,” Prof. Kipkurgat told MPs.
He disclosed that a re-usable face mask will cost Sh40.
Universities and tertiary institutions reopened last week after months of shutdown due the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in March.
Basic education will commence on Monday with Grade 4, class 8 and Form Four reporting to class.
Education Secretary George Magoha released the calendar that shows the learners will be in school for their second term for 11 weeks.
Learners will be expected to wear face masks, have their body temperatures checked, and observe high levels of hygiene.
Prof Kipkurgat said Rivatex has capacity to produce 50,000 masks a day and has so far produced more than five million pieces which were distributed to communities including national and county government.
“We want to applaud the government for reviving Rivatex. We have produced more than five million masks during the past few months of Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have concluded negotiations with the Education ministry to produce masks for learners who resume school next week. We encourage the spirit of buy Kenya build Kenya,” he said in response to a question from the committee chaired by Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir.
The committee sought to know the number of masks and other personal protective gear that Rivatex has produced since the start of Covid-19.
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