Kenya Association of Manufacturers’ (KAM’s) Automotive Sector has developed prototype ventilators to be used by hospitals in the fight against COVID-19.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has approved the prototype developed by local experts from various fields, including programmers, Biomedical engineers, doctors, and automotive engineers.
Some of the companies providing the experts are Mutsimoto Motor Company, Mobius Motors, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Aga Khan University.
KAM Chief Executive, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga noted that this innovation is a demonstration of the local industry’s capacity to fill supply chain gaps in various sectors.
“This ventilator named PUMUAISHI 2.0 shall be patented and supplied locally, but will also be produced for the export markets,’’ added Ms Wakiaga.
“In the event of a power blackout, this ventilator is equipped with a four-hour battery enabling it to continue service to patients.”
I am incredibly proud of the @KAM_kenya automotive sector team lead by @MutsimotoC for leading the way in this. Sourcing local experts and local materials to bring to live the PUMUAISHI 2.0 Ventilator pic.twitter.com/K8lGAd7agV
— Phyllis Wakiaga (@PhyllisWakiaga) April 21, 2020
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The Cabinet Secretary for Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Ms Betty Maina reiterated the need for developing homegrown solutions that will help in the fight against the COVID-19.
“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.
Wakiaga noted the need for building the local industry’s capacity, saying, “As a nation, we have come to realize the importance of local content and industry. Homegrown solutions are key to sustaining the fight against coronavirus whilst cushioning the economy from shocks arising out of the virus.”
