Corona Virus Testing at Kenya Institute of Business Training

Corona Virus testing at Kenya Institute of Business Training

By Vallary Wachira

Hundreds of members of staff in the State Department of Trade (SDT) on Tuesday 21st July, 2020 underwent voluntary mass testing for the Corona Virus at the Kenya Institute of Business Training (KIBT) premises in Parklands, which is one of its Departments.

The one-day exercise was led by the Principal Secretary for Trade Ambassador Johnson Weru and saw over 250 members of staff from various Departments undergo testing for the virus by Ministry of Health officials in the event that lasted from 8.30am to 5.15pm. Other Departments will be tested at a later date in a different venue.

According to the PS Ambassador Johnson Weru, the exercise was crucial to ensure a healthy workforce and a safe working environment for all SDT staff amidst daily increasing numbers of Kenyans testing positive for COVID – 19. He said it was important that the Government walks the talk and complies fully with the stipulated Ministry of Health guidelines on preventing and combating the virus.

Ambassador Weru further called on his staff to abide by the same guidelines and observe social distancing at all times as well as wear face masks and sanitize their hands often. He reiterated that the testing exercise was important for peace of mind of the staff and families, and would lead to improved service delivery all round. He assured the staff of no stigmatization for any who may test positive, saying they will be accorded adequate time to recover fully before reporting back to work.   

The exercise comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with a sudden surge in the number of COVID – 19 positive cases. Mass testing has been ongoing in various government Ministries and State Departments.

ENDS