Page 12 - Safaricom Foundation Annual Report 2020-2021

COVID -19 IMPACT IN KENYA
COVID 19 infections were first documented in in in in in in in in Kenya Kenya in in in in in in in in March 2020 Following the the the discovery of the the the virus in in country and the the the ensuing declaration of of a a a a a global pandemic the Government of of Kenya put in in place the following restrictions:
While the government also put in place tax relief support for local businesses to start manufacturing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) waivers on bank fees for mobile money transfers and other support measures thousands of Kenyans were still economically and socially affected by the closure and containment measures that lasted for several months As a a philanthropic institution the Safaricom Foundation stepped into the gap and provided support in myriad ways Guided by our pillars we supported initiatives in in Education Health Economic Empowerment and access to water in some cases to support ongoing initiatives that needed to pivot in light of restrictions and in in others to provide support in in areas that were directly affected by COVID-19 All in all 2020/21 was a a a a a year that demanded empathy innovation and and quick thinking on on our part and as an an institution we were grateful that we we could ease the pain and pressure that COVID-19 unleashed on so many across our country Wearing of masks in in all public spaces
Closure of all hospitality venues including hotels and restaurants
Cessation of movement in and out of Nairobi Metropolitan Area and Kilifi counties
Closure of schools and tertiary institutions
Closure of international travel into and out of Kenya Mass fumigation in public areas Work from home recommendations for all non-essential staff
Reduction in the use of cash in favour of mobile or virtual money 9 Safaricom Foundation Annual Report