Safaricom has agreed to provide communication resources equivalent to 195 terabytes of data, 10 million voice call minutes and 33 million SMSes to critical government healthcare workers for the next three months. The support is in response to a request by the Health CS Mutahi Kagwe for communication support for the Covid-19 pandemic response teams.
The initiative, which is part of the telco’s commitment to keep the country connected during this period, will see Safaricom avail connectivity resources and airtime to the Ministry of Health, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and frontline healthcare workers both at National and County level.
These resources include:
1. Monthly Bundle for Frontline Government Healthcare Workers: A monthly bundle consisting of 12GB data; 600 voice call minutes; 2,000 SMSs per month topped up to the individual lines of the COVID-19 frontline workers as identified by the Ministry of Health.
2. 100 Mbps Internet Connectivity at Afya House for the National Command and Control Centre in this fight to safeguard our health.
3. COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Airtime Support: A one-off bundle consisting of 50GB data; 3,500 voice call minutes and 10,000 SMSes to 15 members to assist in the smooth running of the fund activities.
Commenting on the support, CS Mutahi Kagwe said: “As we face this crisis, seamless worry-free communication between the frontline teams, the Command Centre and their loved ones is crucial. The contribution by Safaricom to support over 5,500 Government healthcare workers will go a long way in helping us execute a coordinated national response.”
Peter Ndegwa, the Safaricom CEO, said: “The gallant frontline healthcare workers are our first line of defence against the pandemic and their dedication to serving the country has helped slow down infections within our communities. We not only want to appreciate the great work they are doing, but also facilitate their communication as they continue discharging their duties.”
This commitment adds to the telco’s ongoing initiatives, currently estimated to be valued at Kshs 6.5 billion, to support customers and the country from the negative impact of the pandemic through interventions in financial services, transport, education and healthcare.
“We are cognizant of the challenge ahead of us and our purpose as an organisation is clear, to keep our customers connected and support Kenyans in whatever way we can,” added Ndegwa.
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