Meru National Polytechnic has embarked on a programme to launch a variety of washing soaps and other detergents to ensure residents in the surrounding community lead a healthy life. The polytechnic’s Deputy Principal in charge of Administration and Finance Ms Mercy Kirmi said the products will go a long way in ensuring that simple diseases brought by unhygienic conditions were eliminated once and for all. Speaking during the issuance of assorted products to various leaders drawn from the surrounding churches, schools and hospitals on Monday, Kirmi said that the move was also part of their Corporate Social Responsibility which will eventually forge a good relationship between the institution and the community surrounding it. ‘We called the community, which is well-represented, to come and discuss how we can collaborate and also issue detergents that they can use back at their various institutions in the course of their health and environmental management,’ said Kirimi. Assorted washing detergents manufactured by Meru National Polytechnic. Photos by Dickson Mwiti She added that their main aim of going out to the people was to show them that the institution minds their lives and well-being in general. ‘We have partnered with many institutions and organisations because we value collaborations and linkages. We have already collaborated in different areas with a majority of those we have invited today and we believe this will continue to help the Meru National Polytechnic grow even further,’ said Kirimi. Head of the Environment Department in the institution Ms Jane Mawira said they have already issued about 4,000 litres of multi-purpose detergent, and 1000 litres each of hand sanitizer and anti-microbial hand wash. She said as an environmental-related department, they prioritise cleanliness, hygiene and health of their students in general and this is what they were extending to the community. ‘We have as a polytechnic realised that our health is our wealth and as per research, we have realised that we can reduce some of the diseases by being clean,’ Mawira said. ‘We want also to share the information and knowledge to the community living around us so we can all lead a healthy life,’ she added.
Source: Kenya News Agency