KenGen PLC and the KenGen Foundation joined the Government of Kenya in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 virus through a donation of Sh20million to the Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund set up recently to gather resources for fighting the spread and impact of the virus.
Presenting the check at the Emergency Respond Fund offices at the K.I.C.C on 28April, KenGen PLC’s Managing Director and CEO Mrs. Rebecca Miano said KenGen had joined hands with the Government and other stakeholders in offering economic and social support to the vulnerable community members across the country who have been impacted by COVID-19.
“As KenGen, we take this opportunity to thank the Government for establishing the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which has been instrumental in mobilizing resources towards containing the spread, effect and impact of Coronavirus disease,” said Mrs. Miano.
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The company, she added, had set aside an additional Ksh.10 million towards supporting WHO recommended hygiene efforts among community members living near its installations across the country. The additional cash goes towards purchase of hand sanitizers, liquid soaps and water tanks.
Mrs. Miano pointed out that the COVID-19 situation was challenging to many companies and individuals including KenGen, which she said had been forced to suspend a number of initiatives, but encouraged all organizations both public and private to make sacrifices especially at this time to help stop the spread of the disease.
“We must now stand out and reach out to those in need in a show of unity, patriotism and empathy as a nation and give generously, you can donate your time, we have seen others donate resources, others their expertise, and others moral support including counseling,” said Mrs. Miano.
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In Kenya, the extent of devastation that the coronavirus can unleash on the economy is just beginning to take shape. One by one, the corporate world is lining up to join hands in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease. Already, hundreds of millions of shillings has been pledged directly or indirectly to fight the scourge. Pointedly, the main focus now is on containing and mitigating the virus itself.
KenGen’s contribution is part of the support in response to the unprecedented challenge of COVID-19.
“It is our prayer that many more organizations and individuals will come forward and contribute towards this noble cause,” Mrs. Miano further said.
Receiving the donation, the Chairperson of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Emergency Response Fund, Ms. Jane Karuku thanked KenGen for the support and said that through partnerships, they have already raised nearly Shs1.3billion in cash and in kind.
Mrs. Miano was accompanied by KenGen Foundation’s Board Member Shadrack Munyalo, and the Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha, who called on Kenyans especially those in arid and semi-arid areas to take advantage of the ongoing rains and plant trees while observing the laid out measures of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Mr. Igecha further encouraged students, especially this year’s secondary school and university candidates, to take advantage of the quarantine and study hard for their end on year exams.
Over the years, KenGen PLC has positively impacted lives of individuals and communities.
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The company’s primary business is to provide affordable and dependable electric energy for the country in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner while creating value for its stakeholders.
The company’s CSI efforts have expanded significantly since the establishment of The KenGen Foundation in 2013, purposely established to serve as the vehicle for implementing the Company’s CSR programmes.
The Foundation focuses the Company’s efforts through three key pillars of sustainability namely Education, Environment and Water & Sanitation.
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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer