Mobile Phone service provider Airtel has teamed up with the Kenya Red Cross Society to launch public emergency information service in Kenya that will offer disaster management information on disease outbreaks and other emergencies such as fires, floods and terrorist attacks.
Addressing the media today Kenya Red Cross Society secretary general Abbas Gullet says the move targets location SMS system called TERA texts containing disaster warnings, health advice and updates on emergency preparedness and responses.
The messages will also contain information on relief distributions such as clean water, food and shelter, detailed advice on a range of issues such as hygiene, warnings on looming natural disasters and more relevant information. The system will also be used to gather information through simple questionnaires, which will inform and improve the effectiveness of Red Cross activities.
Gullet however, stated that they are also working closely with other communication companies such as Safaricom to ensure more individual access the same service across the country.
AUTHOR:ALLAN OTIENO