AMERICAN COMPANIES SUPPORT THE KENYAN GOVERNMENT DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

 American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Kenya, together with its members is implementing various measures aimed at supporting the Kenyan Government in its policy and behavioural protocols during the current COVID-19 crisis.

“Our members remain committed, ready and willing to support the Government of Kenya and its citizens during   this unprecedented crisis. We welcome the opportunity to engage and further explore ways in which American businesses can provide support and contribute to the country’s overall response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Phillipine Mtikitiki, Board President, AmCham Kenya.

AmCham Kenya, consisting of American private companies such as Coca-Cola, IBM, Microsoft, Uber and Google, are making business adjustments for their employees and customers by enabling remote working and online learning to promote social distancing; and implementing initiatives focusing on public sensitization, early detection and treatment; and promoting hygiene standards.

Some of the efforts made towards early detection and treatment of coronavirus include: Coca-Cola’s partnership with a non-profit health organization to secure medical supplies and with the Kenya Red Cross to provide hydration and beverages to medical staff working on the frontline of testing quarantine centres.

In addition, Johnson and Johnson is providing nursing training support through the World Continuing Education Alliance digital platform. The content consists of the World Health Organisation approved curriculum that is being adapted by Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery in East Africa and the Nursing Council.

Cisco is supporting remote working for the central government, financial institutions, SMEs, education institutions, county governments and other organizations. IGAD and cabinet meetings for example are being facilitated through Webex and Cisco devices.

Microsoft and Google are supporting remote learning for educational institutions by providing free access to the Microsoft team’s platform. They are also working with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) as it updates education material for its online platform. Google has created a website for distance learning resources. It is providing technical support to KICD in broadcasting its school lessons live on YouTube. Google has also extended advanced features of its video conferencing tool – Hangout Meet – for free to all subscribers of its suite of office productivity, including schools.

IBM on the other hand is enabling remote online learning by making available their online learning platform for free training on new technologies including certification and online job search engine.

To promote hygiene standards, Del Monte Kenya is partnering with the County Government of Murang’a to provide machinery and labour for fumigation of marketplaces, shopping centres, villages and where possible offices.

Uber Kenya has also, in a bid to promote social distancing, offered their platform for use by businesses and government for logistics and delivery infrastructure for Covid-19 essential products. In support of its customers, the company has waived delivery fees for restaurants in order to encourage more home orders.

“Many of these companies have been dealing with the virus in other markets and are glad to  support the  government and local enterprises in not only protecting businesses but also in securing the livelihood of Kenyans,” emphasized  Mtikitiki.