Safaricom Donates Ksh 50 Million to Fund Medical Care for Injured Protesters

In a significant move addressing the aftermath of recent protests in Kenya, Safaricom, the country’s largest telecommunications company, has pledged 50 million Kenyan shillings to fund medical care for injured demonstrators.

The company announced its commitment via Twitter on Wednesday, stating, “Together, we stand stronger. In these crucial times, we have allocated KES 50 million to provide immediate medical care, infrastructure support, and essential aid to those affected by the protests.”

This donation comes in the wake of widespread demonstrations that have swept across Kenya in recent weeks, resulting in numerous injuries and straining local medical facilities.

A significant portion of the funds, 15 million Kenyan shillings, will be directed to Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya’s largest referral hospital. “Our comprehensive response plan includes a KES 15 million donation to Kenyatta National Hospital to assist with the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre and support those who were injured during the protests,” Safaricom’s statement detailed.

The move has been met with mixed reactions. While many have praised Safaricom for its swift response and corporate responsibility, others question whether such private sector interventions should be necessary in the face of political unrest.

Dr. Mercy Mwangi, a political analyst at the University of Nairobi, commented on the broader implications of the donation. “While Safaricom’s gesture is commendable, it raises questions about the government’s preparedness and response to civil unrest,” she said in a phone interview.

As Kenya grapples with ongoing political tensions, Safaricom’s donation underscores the complex interplay between corporate entities and societal issues in times of crisis.