Safaricom Foundation in Kshs.10 Million Boost to Tana River Clash Victims

12th Sept 2012…The Safaricom Foundation has donated Kshs.10 million to go towards the provision of shelter for the victims of the recent spate of deadly attacks in the Tana Delta.

At least 112 people have lost their lives and more than 12,000 displaced by the ethno-political clashes that have been ongoing in parts of the Tana Delta for the last four weeks, starting on the night of 13th August 2012.

Safaricom's Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore called for a speedy resolution to the crisis which is threatening to annihilate the communities involved in the conflict.

"What is happening in the Tana Delta is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. With next year being an election year, it is my plea that dialogue will prevail and replace the violence that has lamentably taken root," said Mr. Collymore.

Mr. Collymore further noted that, "This violence if not brought to a speedy resolution will hurt Kenya's international standing and result in a drop in investor confidence subsequently hurting the business sector and in particular tourism."

The Kenya Red Cross and the local administration have been at the Tana Delta providing much needed humanitarian aid that includes food and non-food items, shelter, relief and health services to people affected by the conflict most of whom have settled in temporary camps.

"Our resources are quickly getting depleted and unless peace is quickly restored, the humanitarian situation will worsen.

The Kenya Red Cross Society is therefore appealing for more assistance that will lead to more permanent solutions," said Abbas Gullet, Kenya Red Cross General Secretary.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Safaricom-Corporate
Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms. With annual revenues in excess of Kshs 100 billion, it is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence. 
Safaricom pioneered pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, it now has over 15 million customers and over 37,000 Agent outlets countrywide.

Safaricom Foundation
The Safaricom Foundation is a registered charitable trust, and is the Corporate Social Investment arm of Safaricom Limited. Since its inception in 2003, it has disbursed Kshs.1.5 Billion towards various social projects that provide sustainable solutions to the most pressing social challenges. Its focus areas are Education; Health; Economic Empowerment; Environmental Conservation; Arts and Culture and Sports. The Foundation also responds to disasters and humanitarian emergencies as they arise. Safaricom Foundation's strategic directions contribute towards Kenya's development agenda and the Millennium Development Goals. Website: www.safaricomfoundation.org

12th Sept 2012…The Safaricom Foundation has donated Kshs.10 million to go towards the provision of shelter for the victims of the recent spate of deadly attacks in the Tana Delta.

At least 112 people have lost their lives and more than 12,000 displaced by the ethno-political clashes that have been ongoing in parts of the Tana Delta for the last four weeks, starting on the night of 13th August 2012.

Safaricom's Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore called for a speedy resolution to the crisis which is threatening to annihilate the communities involved in the conflict.

"What is happening in the Tana Delta is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue. With next year being an election year, it is my plea that dialogue will prevail and replace the violence that has lamentably taken root," said Mr. Collymore.

Mr. Collymore further noted that, "This violence if not brought to a speedy resolution will hurt Kenya's international standing and result in a drop in investor confidence subsequently hurting the business sector and in particular tourism."

The Kenya Red Cross and the local administration have been at the Tana Delta providing much needed humanitarian aid that includes food and non-food items, shelter, relief and health services to people affected by the conflict most of whom have settled in temporary camps.

"Our resources are quickly getting depleted and unless peace is quickly restored, the humanitarian situation will worsen.

The Kenya Red Cross Society is therefore appealing for more assistance that will lead to more permanent solutions," said Abbas Gullet, Kenya Red Cross General Secretary.

NOTES TO THE EDITOR

Safaricom-Corporate
Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms. With annual revenues in excess of Kshs 100 billion, it is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence. 
Safaricom pioneered pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, it now has over 15 million customers and over 37,000 Agent outlets countrywide.

Safaricom Foundation
The Safaricom Foundation is a registered charitable trust, and is the Corporate Social Investment arm of Safaricom Limited. Since its inception in 2003, it has disbursed Kshs.1.5 Billion towards various social projects that provide sustainable solutions to the most pressing social challenges. Its focus areas are Education; Health; Economic Empowerment; Environmental Conservation; Arts and Culture and Sports. The Foundation also responds to disasters and humanitarian emergencies as they arise. Safaricom Foundation's strategic directions contribute towards Kenya's development agenda and the Millennium Development Goals. Website: www.safaricomfoundation.org