Uhuru Directs GoK To Purchase 500 HDU Beds From Two Kenyans

By Nsunjo Erica

President Uhuru through the National Government purchased 500 hospital beds from two local manufactures to boost capacity in public hospitals currently under pressure from COVID-19 related admissions.

Mungai Gathogo, 26 and Joseph Muhinja, 35 who are based in Githunguri, Kiambu County have a reason to smile after being awarded a contract to deliver 500 hospital beds within a month and a half following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal intervention.

The Head of State on Wednesday dispatched the President’s Delivery Unit (PDU) to Githunguri to assess the beds and confirm the viability of the order after the innovation that has been trending on social media was brought to his attention.

“I have been sent by His Excellency the President to congratulate the young innovators and to confirm the government’s commitment to supporting local innovations and products by providing a market for our own under the Buy-Kenya-Build-Kenya policy,” said PDU Secretary Andrew Wakahiu.

These two Kenyans rely on locally assembled material to make standard hospital beds, Mr. Wakahiu said the beds will be subjected to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) protocols on their suitability for hospital use.

These locally manufactured beds feature standard hospital design including a reclining frame, height adjuster, and a retractable serving extension, and also feature a portable gas cylinder, a drip stand, and is easy dismantle for ease of transportation.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s move to purchase hospital beds from local manufacturers is a great opportunity to help these entrepreneurs who said that government assistance and the purchase order will boost their production capacity.

These locally manufactured beds retail at around Ksh.65, 000 compared to the Ksh85, 000 for the cheapest available import.

Mr. Wakahiu said that the government will also rope in the Numeric Machining Complex to help the budding entrepreneurs with equipment and to hasten the production.

The purchase of the beds will be a vital boost to public hospitals currently dealing with COVID-19 admissions since many public hospitals have run out of beds after the pandemic patients took up the majority of those available.