M-PESA Foundation unveils KES 22M to renovate female ward at KNH
A medic at the Disaster Response Unit showcases a machine funded by the M-PESA Foundation to Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary, State Department for Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Joseph Ogutu, Chairman, M-PESA Foundation (centre) and Eunice Kibathi, Manager, Foundation Programmes (right).
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya’s largest referral hospital, has received a significant boost from the M-Pesa Foundation, which renovated and equipped an Ante and Post-Natal female ward at a cost of KES 22.7 million.
The renovation, valued at KES 13 million, included modern upgrades to the ward’s infrastructure, such as new ceilings, floors, staff changing rooms, patient ablution areas, a utility room, and a pantry. Enhanced lighting fixtures were also installed to improve the facility’s ambiance and functionality.
Additionally, the Foundation invested KES 9.8 million in advanced medical equipment and furnishings for the ward. This included an ultrasound machine, monitors, various medical devices, ward beds, baby cots, and examination couches, all aimed at enhancing patient care.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving healthcare in Kenya. “As we celebrate 24 years as Safaricom, health is one of the key sectors that we have heavily invested in through our Foundations. M-Pesa Foundation has been instrumental in upgrading hospitals across all 47 counties as we work towards reducing maternal and infant mortality to near zero,” he stated.
The investment is the latest in a series of interventions by Safaricom’s philanthropic arms to support KNH. In July 2024, the M-Pesa Foundation allocated KES 6.6 million for renovating the hospital’s Disaster Response Centre and an additional KES 3 million for care packages and devices.
Over the years, Safaricom’s Foundations have made significant contributions to KNH, including:
Organizing fistula camps in 2019 and 2022, benefiting over 100 women.
Upgrading the KNH Nyeri branch in Othaya with a maternity and newborn unit in 2021.
Supporting disaster response services through the Usamaria initiative, which offsets patient bills.
The latest renovation highlights the M-Pesa Foundation’s dedication to improving healthcare infrastructure and outcomes in Kenya. The upgrades at KNH aim to provide a more conducive environment for mothers and newborns while easing the hospital’s burden in offering quality maternal care.
With continued investments in the health sector, Safaricom reaffirms its commitment to transforming lives and contributing to Kenya’s national health goals.
