The Safaricom Foundation will spend Sh170 million to fund community programmes in health, education, and economic empowerment countrywide, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa has said.
Ndegwa said the money will be invested in sustainable programmes that have a direct impact on the lives of close to 1.6 million Kenyans.
He said out of the total, Sh100 million will be invested in the fifth phase of the Ndoto Zetu initiative, which allows community members to choose projects they want to be funded.
“Submissions for the proposals for the community initiative are open from today to August 11. Members of the community should send their proposals for funding the projects,” said the Safaricom CEO.
Ndegwa further revealed Sh50 million has been set aside for the Pamoja Scheme, which gives employees of Safaricom an opportunity to invest in the project of their choice in the communities they serve, while an additional Sh20 million will be used to offset medical bills in public hospitals for patients from poor backgrounds.
The CEO reiterated Safaricom’s commitment to investing back in communities the company operates in to transform the lives of Kenyans.
“As Safaricom, we work closely with other partners to transform the lives of Kenyans from all walks of life by funding sustainable programmes,” added Ndegwa.
He spoke on Tuesday at the Machakos School for the Deaf during the launch of the fifth phase of Nzoto Zetu programme, where he unveiled a computer laboratory upgraded through the initiative at a cost of Sh2.4 million.
Ndegwa underscored the importance of integrating ICT into learning, saying the computer laboratory will help the learners gain the skills and knowledge required in the current digital era.
“The future is ICT and the 15 computers and other equipment installed will make a difference in the lives of the learners by giving them a future that is relevant,” added the CEO.
Machakos School for the Deaf Principal Bernice Matheka said the project will give the learners a competitive edge in the digital world.
“We are very grateful for the computer laboratory; the learners will not be left out,” said Ms. Matheka.
By Roselyne Kavoo
