Safaricom has announced the launch of its Pamoja Tuungane initiative. Over 2,000 households in Isiolo County will benefit from foodstuff worth KES 12 million under the Pamoja Tuungane initiative.
The initiative was launched in April and is aimed at rallying Kenyans to support those suffering from the effects of the prolonged drought in the country. Safaricom and the M-PESA Foundation already donated foodstuff worth over 100 million shillings which was distributed to over 20,000 households in some of the hardest-hit areas in Marsabit.
We laud the Government for its efforts in addressing the situation by recently distributing food to the 23 counties, which are grappling with drought. However, we also know that a collaborative effort is needed to help alleviate the effects of the drought and we call upon other Kenyans and organisations to double their efforts in supporting those affected. Even as we come together for this short-term intervention, we continue to hold discussions with other corporates, civil society and the government on the sustainable interventions that we can work on together.
Peter Ndegwa, CEO, Safaricom
So far over KES 8.5 million has been donated through Bonga Points and cash contributions while corporates have contributed another KES 4 million to the initiative.
Pamoja Tuugane is a cross-sectional collaboration, which seeks to raise funds to provide emergency assistance to drought-stricken areas in Kenya. Kenyans have also been encouraged to donate their Bonga Points by dialing *126# to contribute towards the drought relief campaign.
According to the latest report by the National Drought Management Authority, the drought situation continues to worsen in 20 of the 23 Arid and Semi-Arid counties. This is attributed to the failure of four consecutive seasons with the forecast predicting the likely of the fifth season under performing. The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is projected to increase to 4.35 Million by end of October.
