The Kenya Bureau of Standards, KEBS certified the first locally manufactured ventilator. The ventilator dubbed Pumuashi 3.0 was developed by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers KAM Automotive Sector led by Mutsimoto Limited.
The ICU ventilator can be used by both paediatrics and adults weighing up to 180 kilograms. it can also run for at least 24 hours without power and can run on solar energy. The ventilator will now be patented and produced for both local and international markets. The certification of Pumuaishi 3.0 is a testament to the manufacturing sector capacity for self-sufficiency, using both local raw materials and expertise to develop the ventilator.
“Pumuaishi 3.0 has been made from locally sourced raw materials, with the involvement of experts from the Ministry of Health, Kenyatta National Hospital and KEBS. The invention brought together local experts from various fields, including programmers, Biomedical engineers, doctors and automotive engineers to develop,’ said KAM Automotive Sector Chair and Mutsimoto Motor Company CEO Ashit Shah.
Speaking during the certification of the ventilator, KAM Cheif executive Ms Phyllis Wakiaga called urged Kenyans and the government to support locally produced goods saying that the industry has demonstrated the ability to supply goods and services of superior quality.
“As citizens, we must be deliberate about the consumption of locally made products for the sake of our country’s present and future economic sustainability. By buying Kenyan products, consumers widen the local market, increase liquidity and provide greater opportunities for innovation,” said Ms Wakaiga.
Pumuashi 3.0 was a collaboration of Mutsimoto Motor Company, Mobius Motors, Kenyatta National Hospital and the Aga Khan University among other partners.
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