Three robots, with support from the Government of Japan, are launched to enhance Kenya’s fight against COVID-19
2021/1/22
The smart anti-epidemic robot solutions have been launched and provided for the Government of Kenya on 22nd January 2021. The project has been conducted by UNDP with financial support from the Government of Japan. From today, three robots will join Kenyan frontline healthcare workers to support their arduous efforts in combat against COVID-19.
1. Since the very beginning of the global suffering due to the pandemic, the Government of Japan has extended a series of support for the fellow Kenyans. That includes the provision of PCR testing kits with the capacity of 50,000 tests to KEMRI, the procurement of medical equipment and the provision of grant aid for the development of electric power distribution system. All of these projects are meant to beef up Kenya’s capacity to tackle the virus, in terms not only of medical capability but also of socio-economic resilience. The total amount of Japan’s COVID-related aid to Kenya so far has added up to more than Sh10 billion.
2. The handover ceremony which took place on 22nd January 2021 heralded the arrival of robotic solutions supported by the Government of Japan to Kenya. However, it is just a new entrée to the long list of Japan’s support for Kenya. The project has been conducted by UNDP as a part of the project of called ‘Supporting an Inclusive and Multi-Sectoral Response to COVID-19 and Addressing its Socio-Economic Impact in Kenya’, funded by the Government of Japan with about Sh240 million. In the ceremony, H.E. Mr. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Health, received three robots named Tumaini (Hope), Jasiri (courageous) and Shujaa (hero) from H.E. Mr. HORIE Ryoichi, Ambassador of Japan to Kenya. Those robots will soon join Kenya’s fight against the virus at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Hospital, and support the arduous work by selfless frontline health care workers there.
3. As is still fresh in our memories, Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, upon his visit to Kenya on 13th January 2021 amidst the global pandemic, reassured Kenyan people that Japan will continue to support Kenya’s efforts to constrain the virus in various fronts including economic and political fronts as an equal partner.
4. On the sideline meeting with Mr. Kagwe, Ambassador. Horie reiterated Japan’s strong and continuous support to Kenya, in fight against COVID-19. They agreed to meet again soon, at the occasion of handing over ceremony of ambulances to Kenya, which Japan already expressed its commitment to the Kenyan Government.