In a powerful display of corporate compassion and commitment to social value, the Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re) has partnered with the National Police Service to support officers injured in the line of duty. Through its celebrated Niko Fiti social value program, Kenya Re has donated Sh13 million worth of mobility and assistive devices, alongside a Sh1 million cash donation, to aid these officers in regaining mobility and dignity.
This initiative not only underscores Kenya Re’s commitment to persons with disabilities (PWDs) but also aligns with the National Police Service’s broader mission to provide psychosocial and mental health support for its personnel.
The Niko Fiti Campaign: Empowering Lives, Enabling Mobility
Launched as part of Kenya Re’s social value initiatives, the Niko Fiti program has been a beacon of hope for thousands of Kenyans living with disabilities. The program’s core aim is to empower PWDs by providing mobility aids and assistive devices, enabling them to actively participate in nation-building.
Speaking on the program’s impact, Dr. Hillary Maina Wachinga, Group Managing Director at Kenya Re, emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect the nation:
“The Niko Fiti campaign empowers persons with disabilities to take an active role in nation building. We are partnering with the National Police Service to support officers who got injured while serving the country.”
To date, the campaign has transformed the lives of over 11,800 PWDs across Kenya, with its success rooted in a community-driven approach and Kenya Re’s unwavering dedication to creating social impact.
Supporting Kenya’s Injured Police Officers
Kenya Re’s latest gesture, which focuses on police officers injured in the line of duty, reflects a deeper commitment to recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of these individuals. The Sh13 million worth of assistive devices includes wheelchairs, crutches, and other specialized mobility aids that will significantly enhance the lives of injured officers.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja lauded Kenya Re for addressing a critical gap in supporting disabled officers:
“Kenya Re’s gesture to our officers who have sustained various forms of disability while serving in the line of duty, as well as their dependents, not only supports our officers but also contributes significantly to their mental and physical well-being, in line with the ongoing efforts to provide psychosocial support and mental health training through our partnership with the Disability Mainstreaming Foundation Kenya.”
The support comes at a time when many officers face challenges adapting to their disabilities due to the lack of specialized equipment. By providing these tools, Kenya Re ensures that these officers can lead dignified and productive lives.
Addressing Disability in Kenya: A Broader Context
The 2019 Kenya Population Census revealed that approximately 2.2% of the population (0.9 million people) lives with some form of disability. This statistic highlights the significant need for initiatives like Niko Fiti, which seeks to bridge the gap in access to assistive devices and promote inclusivity.
Kenya Re’s efforts stand out for their impact and scale. Over the years, Niko Fiti has reached various parts of the country, offering tangible solutions to mobility challenges faced by PWDs. Beyond the distribution of devices, the program fosters awareness and encourages communities to support the inclusion of PWDs in all facets of life.
The Role of Kenya Re in Empowering Communities
Kenya Re, established in 1970 through an Act of Parliament, has long been recognized as a cornerstone of the reinsurance industry in Eastern and Central Africa. With operations spanning over 80 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, the corporation is a major player in the global insurance sector.
While its core business is reinsurance, Kenya Re’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been equally impactful. The Niko Fiti campaign is a prime example of how Kenya Re leverages its resources and expertise to drive positive change in society.
Rated B (Fair) by AM Best and AA+ by Global Credit Rating (GCR), Kenya Re has consistently demonstrated reliability and excellence in service. The same principles guide its CSR initiatives, ensuring that they are both sustainable and transformative.
Psychosocial Support and Mental Health for Police Officers
Kenya Re’s partnership with the Disability Mainstreaming Foundation Kenya aims to complement the material support with psychosocial and mental health training for police officers. These efforts are critical, as many officers face not only physical challenges but also emotional and psychological struggles following injuries sustained in the line of duty.
By addressing mental health alongside physical rehabilitation, the program ensures a holistic approach to supporting injured officers, enabling them to reintegrate into their families, communities, and professional environments.
Corporate Social Responsibility in Action
Kenya Re’s Niko Fiti initiative exemplifies how corporations can make a difference by addressing pressing social challenges. By focusing on inclusivity and empowerment, the program not only changes individual lives but also sets a standard for CSR in Kenya and beyond.
The partnership with the National Police Service demonstrates how public-private collaborations can achieve meaningful results. It is a model that other organizations can emulate to address the needs of vulnerable groups across the country.
Kenya Re’s support for injured police officers through the Niko Fiti program highlights the transformative power of compassion and corporate responsibility. By providing Sh13 million in mobility and assistive devices and fostering partnerships that address mental health, Kenya Re has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the well-being of those who serve the nation.
As the Niko Fiti campaign continues to expand its reach, it not only uplifts PWDs but also strengthens the fabric of Kenyan society by promoting inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment. Through initiatives like these, Kenya Re is setting a benchmark for impactful corporate citizenship, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
