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Airtel staff in slum clean-up exercise


Airtel Kenya staff on Friday engaged in a clean-up exercise at Kinyago slum in Eastleigh, Nairobi Kenya.

Staff from the head office joined those of Nairobi West region in the exercise which is in line with the “Airtel Spirit”, a code which the brand and staff engage in sustainable community development initiatives to create lasting value beyond monetary value.

The exercise in partnership with the area youth group – Jitolee Pamoja Youth Group also saw Eastleigh South District Officer (DO) Charles Muiruri, Kinyago area chief Rose Ayere and Sub-Chief Joshua Karanja participating.

Airtel Kenya CSR Manager Aigelgel Murbe unblocks a water drainage during the cleanup activity in Kinyago slum Eastleigh.
Airtel Kenya CSR Manager Aigelgel Murbe unblocks a water drainage during the cleanup activity in Kinyago slum Eastleigh.

More than 80 people turned out in support of the activity – collecting garbage, unblocking drainages and trenches following the heavy rains experienced in Nairobi, causing major flooding especially in areas with poor drainage.

Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi expressed the company’s appreciation to those who participated, saying;

“One way of ensuring that a community thrives is by protecting its environment and we are pleased with the youth group continuous cleanup activity and proud of our staff for taking part in it as well,” Youssefi said.

PROPER HYGIENE

“Encouraging our employees to give of their time and energy to our customers is one way for us to ensure that we promote proper sanitation while at the same time create awareness on the importance of proper hygiene to the community that we live in,” he added.

Speaking during the exercise, Eastleigh South District Officer Charles Kariuki thanked Airtel employees, the Jitolee Pamoja Youth Group and the residents who took time out of their busy schedule to participate in the activity.

He further urged the area residents to ensure environmental cleanliness to avoid preventable diseases such as Cholera, especially with rise of its outbreak recently in different parts of the country.

Jitolee Youth Group is a youth group that brings together young boys of between the ages of 15 to 30 from Kinyago slum with an aim of encouraging them to take part in community development programs.

With over 30 members, the group takes part in a garbage collection activity every Saturday, as well as carrying out environmental awareness campaign within the slum.

The youth have also formed a soccer team that keeps them engaged as they also seek to nurture their talent in the sport.

The company donated wheelbarrows, racks, and protective gears such as gumboots, gloves and  dust masks to the youth group which will help them continue with their weekly clean-up activities.