MKU strengthens capacity to fight Covid-19

Mount Kenya University strengthens capacity to fight Covid-19 by acquiring equipment that enables it to undertake Covid-19 tests and get the results in real time.

The university took delivery of the Real Time PCR (RT PCR) equipment as a major accomplishment as it will enable it to test for Covid-19 in real time reducing significantly the results waiting period.

MKU principal laboratory technologists, Mr. Eliud Ng’ang’a, while receiving the equipment at Main Campus, said “ The RT PCR Covid Machine will greatly assist the students and staff of the university easily know their Covid-19 status” .

Mr. Ng’ang’a explained that the RT PCR technique of testing for Covid-19 enables the scientists to see the results almost immediately while the process is still ongoing.

Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi receiving the RT PCR Covid Machine

“This will significantly boost our preparedness in detecting Covid-19 as an institution,” said Ng’ang’a. RT PCR has in the recent months been adopted as one of the most widely used in detecting Covid-19 virus. The technique, which is highly sensitive and specific, can deliver a reliable diagnosis in as little as three hours, though laboratories take on average between six and eight hours.  This is in comparison to other methods that can at time take days.

Prof. Simon Gicharu, MKU founder and chairman said the University has over time been improving its capability to fight Covid 19, adding that numerous innovations over the last year had seen the university get better in the fight against the pandemic.

RT PCR Covid Machine has in the past been used in diagnosis for diseases such as Ebola and Zika virus, with the institutions that have used in the past needing to tweaking it and adapting it for use in detecting Covid-19.

The Vice Chancellor, on behalf of the University board of management appreciated the boost by Board of Director and added that the PRC machine will greatly boost research and community outreach as far as forensic research is concerned.