KENYA – Broadway group of companies, producers of well-known white and brown wheat mill bread under the famous Broadways brand, have joined in the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic with a donation of Ksh 25 million (US$233,000) toward the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund in Kenya.

The donation was broken down as KSh7.5 million (US$70,000) and 10,000 bales of Phulka Atta Mark 1 Chappati Flour valued at Ksh 12.5 million (US$116,500) towards the National response fund and Ksh 5 million (US$46,600) towards the COVID-19 Kiambu County Emmergency Fund.

“As responsible corporate citizens, we will continue to assist in efforts to fight COVID-19 pandemic spread within our communities and we encourage all Kenyans to strictly follow all government directives,” stated the company.

The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Franchise in Kenya and its bottling partner Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) have also contributed over Sh30 million (US$279,800) worth of support to Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), Kenya Red Cross and Amref Health Africa to bolster their efforts towards curbing the pandemic in the country.

The support in form of financial aid; assistance in the distribution of sanitizers produced by Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC); and Coca-Cola beverage product donations to medical facilities will complement on-going government and community organizations’ efforts in fighting the spread of the virus.

“We value our customers, employees, and the communities within which we operate. We, therefore, would like to do our part to help prevent further spread of the virus, while also supporting their needs,” said Phillipine Mtikitiki, General Manager of Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise.

The Foundation is providing Amref Health Africa with Sh17.5 million (US$163,000) to support health workers working in medical facilities, as well as support for communities by providing water to those in need across the country.

SHOFCO, on the other hand, will benefit from Sh10 million (US$93,200) that will be used to create awareness and provide handwashing points in the densely populated informal settlements of Kibera and Mukuru in Nairobi.

CCBA is also using its wide distribution network across the country to distribute sanitizers manufactured by KPC.

“We are offering the use of our extensive product distribution network to collect and distribute consignments of free hand sanitizers to County Commissioner offices across the country for distribution to the public,” said Xavier Selga, Managing Director, CCBA.

“We are also providing hydration support with our beverages to Kenya Red Cross for distribution to quarantine and treatment facilities for use by patients and medical staff,” added Selga.

The support is part of Coca-Cola’s global efforts to help control the spread of COVID-19 with Kenya being among the 13 African countries in East and Central Africa receiving donations.

Coca-Cola is also using its marketing platforms such as social media, radio and TV to create awareness on hygiene through Stay Safe messages. In addition, it is using its product labelling to pass on similar messages to consumers of its beverages.

“This is a rapidly changing situation that we are constantly monitoring. We are guided by both the government and WHO guidelines, and are adapting our efforts and responses as needed,” said Xavier.

Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE