A new partnership agreement was announced between UNICEF Kenya and Safaricom at Nairobi on November 19th to provide aid for children especially those living in the poorest regions and most vulnerable areas in Kenya.
Primary projects the partnership will embark on are:
• The Connecting Schools initiative: Primary schools are provided with internet access, e-learning platforms, and the use of digital tools with adequate provision for children with special needs.
• A campaign on violence against children: Children are provided with protection from violence and abuse through the ‘Spot it, Stop it’ awareness program. While also ensuring child safety on online platforms.
• Support for public information and behavior change communication during droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, including the promotion of handwashing, mask-wearing, and physical distancing.
Steve Chege, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Safaricom, said “Our partnership with UNICEF incorporates new areas of mutual interest, such as online safety for children, as well as connecting schools to the Internet,”.
The partnership aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 17, which encourages partnerships for sustainable development, and is anchored in a shared value partnership approach where organizations can achieve profitability even while addressing social problems.