Safaricom Responds to Support Kenyans Affected by Protests
Safaricom has announced a comprehensive response plan to aid Kenyans affected by the ongoing situation in the country, commencing with immediate after-care for patients, and infrastructure development support to hospitals.
Speaking at Kenyatta National Hospital, where Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations made a KES 15 million donation, Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa, said “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.’’
As part of the donation, KES 10 million will go to the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre, while KES 5 million will go towards supporting those injured and admitted at the hospital. The KES 5 million will be for provision of assistive devices to the injured, smartphones and airtime for those who lost their phones, supporting affected individuals with three months’ worth of food as well as one year worth of rent for those in extreme condition. Safaricom has also allocated KES 12.5M for similar efforts across the country.
“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.
To provide further immediate support, Safaricom, through its 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.
