Prof. Benard Ikua, DVC Administration (left), Dr. Esther Muoria, Registrar Academic Affairs, and the two Chemists behind the new product – Dr. Waudo and Prof. Kareru, look at the branded sanitizers at the workshop.
JKUAT has introduced two types of high quality hand sanitizers that are able to kill all germs and bacteria whose presence on our hands could provide a conducive environment for contracting the dreaded Coronavirus disease.
The gel and liquid (spray) sanitizers which are rinse free and fast drying with moisture, are made from ingredients levels approved by the World Health organization (WHO) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) specifications.
According to the researchers behind the product, Dr. Waudo Wambilianga who is the Director of the Chemistry Production Centre (CPC), and Prof. Patrick Kareru (both Chemists), the sanitizers will be produced, branded and packaged at CPC with the help of laboratory technologists.
They said the University had the capacity to produce 1000 litres a day, though the quantity is likely to increase because of the interest so far shown by users. The product, they added, was aimed at providing a quick prevention of germs attack, especially in situations where water is not readily available.
Besides the production of hand sanitizers, CPC also makes; hand washing detergents soaps, disinfectants, beauty creams and lotions, as well as decorative paints, that the general public can place orders for purchase.
Other complementary preventive measures undertaken by the University to support the Government’s effort in combating Covid-19 is the production of the 3-layer washable and reusable masks.
According to the team leader of the project Ms. Mary Muthui of the tailoring unit, her team can make about 1000 masks per day, although they have the capacity to make more depending on the demand.
Ms. Muthui packs some of the masks.
Commenting on the initiatives by researchers and student innovators, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said, JKUAT as an institution of higher learning has a repository of experts in various fields who can work collaboratively to offer solutions to problems affecting the society.
Prof. Ngumi noted that the university was more than delighted to participate in providing solutions to the Covid-19 pandemic, through research and innovations.
The Vice Chancellor encouraged all the faculty and students for the commendable work and urged them to continue working collaboratively. She further assured them of the university’s support in coming up with viable solutions to the challenges facing the community and the country at large.