Kenyatta National Hospital received an infrastructure boost when the M-Pesa Foundation renovated and equipped an Ante and Post Natal female ward at a cost of KES 22.7 million.
The ward was renovated with new ceilings, floors, staff changing rooms, patient ablution areas, utility room and pantry as well new lighting fixtures at a cost of KES 13 million.
The facility was equipped with an ultrasound machine, monitors, medical devices, a range of furniture, ward beds, baby cots and an examination coach at a cost of KES 9.8 million.
“As we celebrate 24 years as Safaricom, health is one of the key sectors that we have heavily invested in through our Foundations. M-Pesa Foundation has been instrumental in the upgrading of hospitals in all 47 counties as we contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality to near zero. Our intervention here today epitomises our commitment to improving health outcomes at one of Kenya’s premier facilities,” said Joseph Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation.
In July this year, the Foundation supported the hospital with KES 6.6 million towards the renovation of the Disaster Response Centre and care packages and devices at a cost of KES 3 million.
Safaricom through its Foundations have supported Kenyatta National Hospital for several years. In 2014, the Safaricom Foundation invested KES 50 million in a newborn unit while in 2019 and 2022, M-Pesa Foundation held fistula camps at the facility where over 100 women were treated.
In 2021, KNH’s Nyeri branch in Othaya was upgraded with a maternity and newborn unit and in July this year, both philanthropic arms committed to enhancing disaster response services through the Usamaria initiative which offset bills for patients at the hospital.