As the economic effects of COVID-19 continue to bite, more and more individuals and companies are stepping up to help the less fortunate in society. Equity Group which was among the first corporates to kick off social impact initiatives continues with the same trend. Through Equity Group’s Foundation (EGF), the bank has thus far raised over Ksh 43.2 billion (USD 432M).
Other than being involved in financials, education, energy, and agriculture one of the most important thing that the group has invested in is healthcare through the Equity Afia clinics. In the latest initiative, Equity Group Foundation has partnered with the Equity Afia doctors to train a total of 60 Equity Leadership program alumni doctors & final year medics as Trainer of the Trainees (TOTs) to offer health education. Trained medical personnel have been attached to the various branches across the country and have trained staff and customers reaching an estimated 1 million individuals.
Through its partnership with Equity Afia, Equity Group has so far distributed more than 900,000 educative materials on COVID- 19 through various channels to promote infection prevention.
The facilities countrywide have also deepened COVID-19 pre-screening referring suspected cases to the Government and Ministry of Health for further evaluation and treatment. In Q1 of 2020, the clinics served 37,627 customers for both primary care and COVID-19 symptoms screening. This is meant to help improve early detection and management of cases at the grassroots level. Equity, through its social arm investment EGF is working with the professional health care associations to provide technical support to the Kenya Emergency Response Fund for COVID- 19.
In support of government’s role towards enhancing literacy levels across Kenya, Equity through its Wings to Fly program has thus far facilitated 26,304 scholarships through the Equity Group Foundation to bright and economically challenged students in the country. The bank has further trained over 64,000 women and youth in financial training to enable them acquire relevant skills crucial towards running their businesses. Furthermore, Equity in support of environmental friendly and clean energy alternatives has distributed over 137,501 clean energy products across 77,000 households.
Equity Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Mwangi reaffirms that the bank is committed to walking with its clients and stakeholders during the Covid-19 uncertainty, and affirms Equity’s commitment to continued support for its social impact initiatives and Covid-19 support efforts aimed at offering socioeconomic relief to livelihoods.