Donations to Westgate victims hit Sh40 million

By James Mbaka

KENYA: An emergency fund towards evacuation operations at the besieged Westgate Mall has raised over Sh40 million. The initiative was launched on Sunday by mobile service provider Safaricom and the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS).

Kenyans from all walks of life responded overwhelmingly to the appeal and by yesterday evening, Safaricom announced it had collected Sh41,710,461. 

KRCS hopes to raise Sh80 million that will go towards medical support and care of the victims of the terror attack. Safaricom announced that it had zero-rated the PayBill number 848484 through which Kenyans can send their donations, meaning all funds raised will be administered by KRCS.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore said the initiative was in line with the company’s commitment to positively impact the lives of Kenyans.

“The paybill number is zero-rated and those sending money do not incur any costs. The entire amount raised through the kitty will be channelled through the Kenya Red Cross, which is coordinating matters relating to the welfare of those affected,” he explained.

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He said Kenyans were sending money from as little as Sh10 to Sh50,000. To contribute towards fundraising initiative, customers are required to go to the M-Pesa menu and then to ‘paybill’. Under the business number, enter 848484 and account number, 848484, and follow subsequent prompts to enter the amount and send.

Since Westgate Mall was attacked on Saturday, KRCS has been providing humanitarian services, which include mobilising the public to donate blood, psychosocial support for the affected, evacuation services and emergency triage services.

Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross Abbas Gullet appealed to Kenyans to come out in large numbers to donate blood and support the victims, and promised the organisation would account for every penny.

“I would like to thank Kenyans for their overwhelming support. We have seen Kenyans come out in large numbers to donate blood and share the proverbial ten cents to help out a brother and sister in need. The Kenyan giving spirit never ceases to amaze me and I would like to call on all of you not to tire because the task ahead may be daunting,” he said.