M-Pesa Foundation supports 3 000 flood-hit families
M-Pesa Foundation, in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross, came to the aid of 3 000 families affected by severe flooding in Nairobi, Tana River and Kisumu counties. The organisation set aside Ksh30 million to assist these communities.
The Foundation used the Ksh30 million to distribute essential supplies including food hampers, tents for shelter, treated mosquito nets, blankets and soap.
In Nairobi County, the Kenya Red Cross, local healthcare provider Zuri Health and the county government set up four mobile clinics to address pressing health concerns. The partnership aims to support 1 000 families in each of the affected counties.
The floods in Kenya in April and May 2024 led to the deaths of over 300 people, the Kenya Red Cross reported. The disaster displaced more than 290 000 people and caused damage estimated at Ksh4 billion.
Partnering for our Purpose
“We have partnered with Kenya Red Cross again in response efforts to address the plight of communities that have been displaced and affected by the ongoing floods in the country,” said Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of Safaricom Foundation.
“We are distributing supplies to support the well-being of communities in the three counties even as the Meteorological Department warns of more rains likely to cause adverse impacts on communities.”
Safaricom, through its Foundations, has a history of involvement in flood response efforts. In 2023, the company distributed supplies in Nyandarua, Homa Bay and Wajir counties, while in 2020 it supported residents in Tana River, Isiolo, Lamu and Baringo counties.
Devastating effects of climate change
Climate events such as El Niño – the warming of the surface water of the Pacific Ocean, which causes heavy rainfall in some parts of the world – have been linked to the recent increase in rain in parts of East Africa. El Niño events have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, leading to unprecedented rainfall patterns and severe weather events across various regions.
