The leading Kenyan sports gaming firm, Betika has extended support worth Kshs. 27 Million towards various initiatives geared towards combating the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In heeding the call by H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, Kshs. 6 Million of the funds will go directly to the private sector-led Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund to support the health sector and healthcare providers as they lead the fight against the virus.
The campaign through ‘Betika Na Community Initiative’, will see donations to this fund be used to purchase health supplies and equipment such as masks, nasal swabs, and testing kits. Low-income earners in an informal settlement will continue to be sensitized through various Betika channels on how to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
In addition to the Kshs. 6M, Betika has sheltered the sports fraternity with a Kshs. 20 Million boost during these unprecedented times that have seen all sporting events halted. The contribution will see the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage through Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed receive Kshs.15 Million to help cushion the sports industry in these tough times.
An additional Kshs. 5 Million will be directly sent to Betika National Super League and Kenya Premier league football players, with the support of FKF, to help them wade through the uncertain times that all Kenyans are going through. The Kshs. 5M cash is a timely boost for more than 1,050 football players across the country who will receive funds directly in their mobile wallets from Betika to support them and their families.
Betika has also donated Kshs. 1M to 16 students at the Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (Chandaria-BIIC), based at Kenyatta University. The 16 students recently made the national limelight when they developed a locally made ventilator prototype which could be a game-changer in the fight against Coronavirus. This Centre that supports new and innovative ideas from students is in line with the firm’s vision that focuses on promoting youth and innovation.
Speaking during the handover, Mr John Mbatiah, the firm’s Business Head said, “We are dealing with an extraordinary crisis that requires all of us as Kenyans to take precautionary measures as guided by the Ministry of Health and also provide support to the men and women of this great country to be able to manage better the tough times they are going through. We share in CS Amina’s call to help the sports men and women during these tough times which is at the very core of everything we are about. We believe as the leading betting firm in Kenya, it is our mandate that we support our men and women during this tough period to be able to provide for their families. We are deeply rooted in the local communities and by giving our support to the Kenyan Government relief fund, Ministry of Sports and other Sports organizations, we have the potential to build a stronger response capacity so that our communities are better equipped to face the outbreak’’.
“Being a Kenyan firm with over 90% of our workforce under 40, we know the importance of supporting the youth in this great country and that is why we chose to support the 16 students. This support confirms our commitment to investing in the community in any way possible. We may not fully cover the needs of the community, but we will play a significant part in changing lives of those that we are able to impact. We will continue to monitor the situation and extend further support to the relevant authorities and communities through the fund,” said Mr. Mbatiah.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa was humbled by the donation and appreciated the firm’s efforts to always being their partner. “I want to thank Betika for this kind gesture towards KPL and BNSL clubs, especially at this time when Kenyan Football is experiencing financial strain,” said FKF president Nick Mwendwa.
As a federation, we remain committed to exploring measures that cushion our players, right from the grass root to the top tier leagues during this time when football is largely affected by this global pandemic’’ added the FKF President.
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