Safaricom Sabarei mobile network supports faster security response, clearer communication and stronger social and economic links for residents.
For most of us who have been on mobile phone networks since they came to be, we cannot imagine what it is to stay without easy communication. But that privilege is not the case for residents of Sabarei in Garissa County, a remote area 900km away from Nairobi and just 5km from the Kenya Ethiopia border.
Until a few months ago, the people of Sabarei were almost like cut off from the world due to lack of mobile communication and the only method they had was runners. Peole to actually move around the rough terrains to physically deliver messages to and fro. To get the full extent of the problem, consider that Sabarei is a bandit prone area, and communication is more than crucial for security purposes. Every delay in communication raised the risk for households living close to a tense border zone.
Safaricom has since gone there and installed mobile services networks, easing the lives of the locals and making the place safer. Before that, security officers worked with very limited tools – a small police post that served scattered communities who live with frequent tension due to insecurity. To run a good security program, officers need fast and clear information and this was lacking.
The introduction of mobile network service which was done through the Universal Service Fund project changed daily routines in Sabarei. Residents and security officers now communicate in real time not only within themselves and also to people outside of the locality. When officers are out on patrol, they are able to send updates immediately.
When we speak of Safaricom’s impact in communities and transforming lives, this is the priceless scenarios we are looking at. When a household reports distress, the information reaches security without delay. The improvement in communication supports quicker decisions and stronger coordination.
Security aside, residents have also felt the shift a good one. They are now able to stay in touch with relatives across the country. Parents are able to communicate with their children studying away from Sabarei. As far as economic empowerment is concerned, traders can now check market information and make their business decisions without having to travel long distances. Even medical emergencies are catered for since residents can now reach health workers easier in case of emergencies.
Local leaders say good communication has really eased their work since updates on suspicious activity travel faster, hence supprting faster responses. Disruptions are now therefore fewer.
This is the real essence of transforming lives. Safaricom has become part of daily life in Sabarei and locals are able to share information, seek help and most of all, stay more secure.
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