Earlier this week, Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation made a step towards empowerment of the health sector by donating Ksh.15 Million to Kenyatta National Hospital. These funds are apportioned into two, such that Ksh.5 Million will go towards supporting the people who sustained injuries during the recent protests and are admitted at the hospital, while Ksh.10 Million goes to the Hospital’s Disaster Response Centre.
A hospital admission of any duration can set one back quite a bit and towards assisting the patients to get back on their feet after discharge, Safaricom has an empowerment package that includes food expenses for three months, mobile phones, and airtime. Those with injuries requiring assistive devices like prosthetic limbs have not been left behind and will be provided with them, while those in dire conditions will be supported with rent for one year.
This donation is part of a larger initiative in which Safaricom has set aside Ksh.12.5 Million to run empowerment programs around the country. In the short term, and in line with taking healthcare services closer to the people, 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.
“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.’’ Safaricom CEO, Peter Ndegwa.
Safaricom’s empowerment outlook is long term with plans to increasingly focus on Gen Z through education and economic support through M-Pesa and Safaricom Foundations. On the education front, we are looking at TVET scholarships with the knowledge that vocational education is the next frontier for the youth as demand grows for workers in construction, infrastructure, maintenance, and businesses that graduates can set up on their own. This will go a long way in denting the unemployment problem in the country, and the ripple effects of people having money in their pockets will be felt in families, communities and the national economy as well. Safaricom Foundation’s TVET programme was launched in 2020 with a focus on plumbing, food and beverage, electrical installation and welding.
On economic empowerment, Safaricom will work through the existing frameworks like Ndoto Zetu, a long-standing and impactful initiative that facilitates the realization of community dreams countrywide. 13 counties will benefit from micro loans, starting with Nakuru, Nairobi, Kajiado, and Migori.
Another program under economic empowerment is Wezesha Agri, which trains farmers in different areas on safe pesticides use, good agricultural practices and how to go about agribusiness. The young farmers are also trained on climate smart agriculture and how to promote food security.
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.
Safaricom remains dedicated to uplifting our communities, transforming lives, and ensuring the well-being of all Kenyans, especially the youth who are our future.