Airtel Kenya has today send Ksh 2,175,000, donations by well-wishers towards Westgate terror victims to Kenya Red Cross. The amount includes a portion of direct commitment by the company to match its staff contributions shilling to shilling.

Airtel Kenya managing director Mr. Shivan Bhargava said the firm was deeply moved by donations from well-wishers and its staff.

He said, “We continue to stand together with all our affected brothers and sisters and their families and we are hopeful that the unity and peace so far reflected by each citizen of this nation will prevail in the days to come.”

Airtel Kenya earlier set up a wi-fi and call center at the blood donation operations by the Kenya Red Cross at Uhuru Park besides partnering with Adelle Consultants to provide free professional counseling services to the victims of the Westgate tragedy. Mr. Bhargava expressed his appreciation to the Kenya Red Cross, The Government, relief effort agencies and individuals for their gallant efforts to ensure return to normalcy through rescue, relief and condolences to the affected families.

According to Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross, Dr. Abbas Gullet the amounts contributed will be used to offset bills arising from the tragedy including hospital bills and the necessary trauma and psychosocial support to all victims and rescue operations staff. Kenya Red Cross will also offer support to the hospitals to improve their capacity to store higher volumes of blood, defray cost of running the ambulances used during the rescue operations and other support services.