Kibabii as an institution is at an advantage not only because of its capacity in both knowledge and facilities, but applicable knowledge in all the disciplines in the institution, KIBU has structures in place that can harness knowledge and apply it during this trying times.
To prevent the spread of Covid-19 the World Health Organizations has urged us to follow the following guidelines : maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing; don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth; cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze; Stay home if you feel unwell; If you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention; Follow the directions of your local health authority and most importantly clean your hands often using soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
One of the vital products that have been advocated is the use of soap. Soap is a universal product that is used by everyone. Production of liquid soap is done using a simple method in the University’s labs and can be availed to the rural areas in the county, on the other hand sanitizers can be used in offices, business premises and also by individuals. With that in mind KIBU initiated the production of soap for the university’s use and the community around it can also benefit. Prof. Siamba, (Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor –Administration, Finance and Development) expounded on how other disciplines not necessarily science are working on tasks that they can do to help in the containment of this disease. “Our staff are working from home literary but as they are working from home, we have requested them to pass the correct information about Covid-19. As there is a lot of fake news circulation in the social media and a lot of uncertainties on this pandemic. They can demystify the issues surrounding this pandemic either in group basis or as individual’s by giving the right information to the communities that surrounds them.”
KIBU fraternity has come together in the spirit of corporate social responsibility to support the community as seen by UASU Kibabii University Chapter. UASU reached out to the communities around the University on 24th April, 2020 and donated sanitizers, 100 litre jericans and masks locally made and donated by staff. Beneficiaries of the donations included essential service providers: tuktuk and bodaboda drivers, market vendors in Mayanja, Bungoma taxi stage and the University security department.
KIBU has harnessed the expertise from the chemistry department. Dr. Makokha John Wanjala (Chairman, Department Of Science, and Technology & Engineering) expressed gratitude towards the University management for supporting the department in accomplishing this task. The department has followed guidelines given by World Health Organization concerning production of sanitizers and the liquid soap. The produced sanitizers include 70% alcohol content and the department has done a micro-biological test on its ability to manage the bacteria infestation in the labs and they realised that it cleared all bacteria available in the lab. Therefore proving that it’s effective in its intended purpose.
Prof. Isaac Ipara (Vice Chancellor) expressed a deep concern on the effects of this pandemic, he stated that this pandemic affects every aspect of our lives and it’s important to explore a model where the county government and the university can try to reach out to communities near and far. Initially KIBU wanted to make sanitizers and soap that will be enough for the institution and the community around the university. But in the long run KIBU is looking forward to continue with production of these and other products as an income generating activity, that will help the institution reduce the cost of procurement from the market which is expensive and also generate additional income for the University. We don’t know for how long this pandemic will with us. Washing hands has become a standard procedure therefore we need cheaper products to enable us during this process.
Issues of social stigma associated with COVID-19 are also with us, based on three main factors: first is the fact that it’s a disease that’s new and for which there are still many unknowns; secondly, it is understandable that there is confusion, anxiety, and fear among the public. Unfortunately Stigma can undermine social cohesion and prompt possible social isolation of groups, which might contribute to a situation where the virus is more likely to spread. This can result in more severe health problems and difficulties controlling a disease outbreak. Stigma can drive people to hide the illness to avoid discrimination and prevent people from seeking health care immediately. KIBU has a team of counsellors who can take up the task when needed. KIBU has trained medical personnel who can also participate in the mass testing in the event that the county will need our support.
