Safaricom brings relief to protest-stricken Kenyans
Safaricom is rolling out a plan to offer help to protest-stricken Kenyans. This initiative will see the company reach out to affected populations with after-care services for patients, as well as infrastructure development support targeted at hospitals.
On Wednesday, Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations made a Kes15 million donation to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). As part of the donation, Kes10 million will go to the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre, while Kes5 million will support those injured and admitted at the hospital following the protests.
The injured will be supported to get assistive devices, smartphones and airtime for those who lost their phones. Affected individuals will also be getting three months’ worth of food as well as one year worth of rent for those in extreme condition, the telco noted in a statement. Safaricom has also allocated Kes12.5M for similar efforts across the country.
“Our Foundations are there to stand with people, especially in times of need. We are happy to provide hospitals with structured support in times of emergencies, both for infrastructure improvement and patient recovery,’’ noted Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, while meeting KNH leadership.
“We are happy to partner with Safaricom and continue to have a positive impact to Kenyans seeking medical assistance at this time of need,” said Dr. Evanson Kamuri, CEO Kenyatta Hospital.
Read also: Ndoto Zetu rolls out Sh8.9 million boost to schools, dispensaries
#GenZforGenZ
To provide further immediate support, Safaricom, through the M-Pesa Foundation, is organizing medical camps in affected areas, starting with Githurai on 6th July 2024, followed by Rongai at a later date.
In the medium-term, Safaricom will also mobilize its Gen Z employees as well as other like-minded corporates and foundations, under the #GenZforGenZ initiative, which will entail volunteer squads leading community outreaches, clean-ups, and medical camps.
The long-term plan will entail a comprehensive execution of community programs through M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations, with an increased focus on Gen Z. This includes providing TVET scholarships, economic empowerment through the Ndoto Zetu program, agri-business value chain opportunities through the Wezesha Agri Program, and offering access to business training and micro loans in 13 counties, starting with Nakuru, Nairobi, Kajiado, and Migori.
The plan will also include supporting mental health through strategic partnerships and provision of complimentary counselling services.
Safaricom remains dedicated to uplifting our communities and ensuring the well-being of all Kenyans, especially the youth who are our future.
