Safaricom has donated Kes 50 million to support victims of the nationwide anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests and bolster hospital infrastructure.
The donations through Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations include Kes 10 million for the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre and Kes 5 million for directly supporting those injured and admitted to the hospital.
Speaking at Kenyatta National Hospital on Wednesday, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized the company’s commitment to standing by Kenyans in times of need.
“Our Foundations are here to support the people, especially during emergencies. We are pleased to provide structured support to hospitals for infrastructure improvement and patient recovery.”
This support will cover assistive devices, smartphones, and airtime for those who lost their phones during the protests, as well as three months’ worth of food and one year’s rent for individuals in extreme conditions.
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Safaricom has also set aside an additional Kes 12.5 million for similar initiatives nationwide.
The funds will be used to establish medical camps in affected areas, starting with Githurai on July 6, 2024, followed by Rongai.
“We are happy to partner with Safaricom and continue to have a positive impact on Kenyans seeking medical assistance at this time of need,” said Dr. Evanson Kamuri, CEO of Kenyatta Hospital.
Initially sparked by public disapproval of the Finance Bill 2024, the protests have led to widespread unrest in major cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu.
Demonstrations have escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in over 40 deaths and extensive property damage.
Businesses have been looted, and critical infrastructure has been vandalized, prompting a significant response from both the government and private sector.
