Kenya-headquartered telecoms provider Safaricom PLC, has through its M-PESA and Safaricom Foundations committed KES200m ($1.8m) toward providing food and nutrition to Kenyans in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The financial commitment follows the request by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta for emergency resource mobilisation towards containing the spread and impact of the coronavirus.
Safaricom said the initiative adds to its ongoing initiative under the “Bonga for Good” programme that is enabling customers to redeem Safaricom Bonga Points to pay for essential goods and donate their points to those in need as a show of goodwill during this period. To date Kenyans are redeeming an average of 20 million points a day under this initiative.
Peter Ndegwa, chief executive officer, Safaricom PLC said: “Safaricom PLC is fully committed to supporting Kenya through the evolving situation around the COVID-19 pandemic. We have made business decisions that will enable our customers access more of our products and services for at either no cost or at a highly subsidized rate. These decisions will ensure Kenyans spend their money where they need it most.”
Michael Joseph, chairman, M-PESA Foundation added: “Since our inception in 2010, the M-PESA Foundation has partnered with the Government and other organisations on large scale, long-term, and highly impactful social projects for the social and economic benefit of the people of Kenya. In the years we have been in existence, we have focused on making a meaningful impact by solving problems that societies face through addressing the underlying causes. Today we are making our contribution, which we believe will go a long way towards ensuring that no child goes to sleep hungry during this unprecedented crisis.
Joseph Ogutu, chairman Safaricom Foundation said: “For more than 19 years, we have maintained our commitment of Transforming Lives, and creating opportunities for Kenyans to uplift their lives. We have always partnered with Government and humanitarian agencies to reduce suffering amongst those affected by disasters and complex emergencies. It is in our DNA to ensure that no one gets left behind, especially the vulnerable ones in the society.”
Ndegwa pointed out that Safaricom had also made business decisions in the last three weeks since Kenyans were asked to stay at home that will enable its customers access more products and services either for free or at a highly subsidised rate. These decisions will ensure Kenyans spend their money where they need it most.
