Safaricom will from today provide healthcare workers with free communication as they continue to be at the front line of the war against the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Following a request by Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Safaricom will facilitate the health workers with 195 terabytes of data, 10 million voice call minutes and 33 million SMSs for the next three months.
The initiative, which is part of Safaricom’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.
The facilitation package includes a 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.
Afya House as the national command and control centre will also be provided with 100 hundred mbps internet connectivity during the period in question which will prompt reallocation of funds earmarked for this purpose to other uses.
The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will also be facilitated with airtime support: A one-off bundle consisting of 50GB data + 3,500 voice call minutes + 10,000 SMSs to 15 members to assist in the smooth running of the fund activities.
Speaking after the announcement of the agreement Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said Safaricom’s contribution will support over 5,500 Government healthcare workers and will go a long way in helping the government execute” a coordinated national response”.
“As we face this crisis, seamless worry-free communication between the frontline teams, the command centre and their loved ones is crucial,” said Kagwe.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said Safaricom’s investment in the mitigation against the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic stands at Ksh6.5 billion through interventions in financial services, transport, education and healthcare including a Ksh200 million cash donation
“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,” said Ndegwa.
“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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