UK Companies at the Forefront on the Fight Against COVID-19

The Covid-19 outbreak has transformed millions of lives globally. A lot is at stake including the health of millions of people, businesses and economies appear to be dwindling and the fate of so many people’s jobs now seems to lie in the hands of this deadly pandemic. With the virus slowly gathering pace across Kenya, it is important for both the government and private sectors to work closely to overcome this pandemic.
The statement released by British High Commissioner H.E Jane Marriott goes out to show that the UK will continue to stand with Kenya as one of its strongest partners. To survive such a pandemic, the economic stability of the nation is important.
Deeming that Kenya is the gateway to East Africa, supporting its supply chain is part of UK’s agenda in helping keep Kenyan businesses afloat more especially during this period.
British companies that have been seen at the forefront of the fight against this pandemic include East African Breweries Ltd which donated close to 135,000 litres of hand sanitisers to the most vulnerable country wide. Azuri Technologies on the other hand are using their off-grid solar energy to help children in rural areas across the country to access their new education channels amid this crisis.
Last month, the Covid-19 Emergency Fund was established President Uhuru Kenyatta. According to the Public Finance Management Act, 2012 the purpose of the fund is to mobilise resources for emergency response towards containing the spread, effect, and impact of Covid-19.
The board is Chaired by Ms Jane Karuku who is the Managing Director KBL and Executive Director EABL. According to Nairobi News, as at 30th April 2020, the Covid-19 Emergency Fund had so far raised over Sh2.7 billion through the mobilisation of resources towards containing the spread of coronavirus.
Of course, the question of upholding good business practices such as accountability and transparency are bound to arise in such a scenario. Ms Karuku assured the public that the Board will publicise contributions and expenditure regularly as they are working with professional firms such as PwC Kenya, Deloitte Kenya and EY Kenya who are providing pro-bono assurance services.
Corporates, foundations, and individuals have enthusiastically stepped forward to donate towards the fund. It goes without saying that the effort between the Private and Public sector will bring forth positive results, since this is the unity much needed to overcome this pandemic.