Safaricom has announced the elimination of data charges for disabled job seekers, a move aimed at increasing inclusivity and empowering them.
Through a statement seen by Sharp daily, the telecommunication company stated the goal of the program is to lessen the financial obstacles that disabled job seekers endure in pursuit for employment.
“This collaborative effort is geared towards empowering persons with disabilities by providing them with unfettered access to job advertisements and online training programs, thereby enhancing their employability prospects,” the statement read in part.
Safaricom has partnered with Fuzu, an online Job seeking platform to pave way for individuals accessing the NCPWD portal to explore job openings and submit applications without incurring data usage charges.
“Safaricom is deeply committed to transforming lives and promoting digital inclusion. Through this project, we have made great strides in increasing the prospects of persons with disabilities in their search for economic empowerment through employment, and it is a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa.
The NCPWD platform serves as an avenue, not just for job seekers but also for employers seeking to identify and recruit individuals with disabilities.
Since its launch in November 2020, the platform has hosted up to 400 employers and serves approximately 5000 job seekers.
Harun Hassan, the executive director of NCPWD, lauded the partnership, emphasizing its multifaceted impact. He articulated that this collaboration not only eliminates financial barriers but also reignites the aspirations and potential of individuals with disabilities in the country.
He added that the ultimate vision is to create a future where individuals with disabilities seamlessly integrate into the workforce, dispelling misconceptions and demonstrating unequivocally that disability does not inhibit achievement.