Most Kenyans will agree that we have all yearned to step foot into Safaricom it doesn’t really matter what jurisdiction you are given, probably you could rise up just as Bob did.. right? Have you by any chance heard someone brag about the benefits that the workers at Safaricom get? And you are left wondering what you ever did wrong. Did the gods forsake you? Do you need to do a special sacrifice to your ancestors? Maybe not. It’s never that serious you know! In his words, Bob Collymore was quoted during a breastfeeding conference;
“It is embarrassing that in the 21st century women should have to be expressing milk in washrooms and toilets.”
Safaricom attendant serving customers at a Safaricom Shop
So recently after the sad news broke out about Bob Collymore, we are slowly learning a little bit more of him every second, and that’s very interesting for sure. You see, Bob Collymore made motherhood bearable in Safaricom plc. According to an internal source, he charmed mothers by introducing 4 months maternity leave, 6 months working half-day post-maternity leave, 7 am to 5.30pm daycare with qualified professional caregivers, fully equipped lactation rooms. How cool is that?
Bob Collymore and Dr Kioko during Breastfeeding week, Photo: Courtesy
During his tenure, Bob allocated maternity leave after baby adoption, case by case he increased medical cover for children with special needs, baby friendly vaccines in the cover, great maternity cover for normal and CS deliveries. What you might not know is that mothers whose employers do not allow carrying children to work for breastfeeding can express milk.
But this raises concerns that bottled milk is less effective as direct breastfeeding because of contamination. Do you now understand why it’s a privilege to have a daycare at your organization?
Bob Collymore and Dr. Kioko at the Safaricom Creche
Not many companies have allowed their breastfeeding workers the room, which, in many ways, could be seen as a luxury. Striking the balance between going to work or taking care of one’s baby has been a headache for young executives eager to see their careers and children grow simultaneously.
One Safaricom employee, in particular, took to Facebook to express her heartfelt thank you message to the Late CEO;
Thank you for making motherhood bearable in Safaricom plc….because of you that I enjoyed motherhood…..You charmed mothers by introducing 4 months maternity leave, 6 months working half-day post-maternity leave, 7 am to 5.30pm creche/daycare with qualified professional caregivers, fully equipped lactation rooms, maternity leave after baby adoption, case by case increased medical cover for children with special needs, baby friendly vaccines in the cover, great maternity cover for normal and CS deliveries…… e.t.c .. R.I.P Bob Collymore. You were loved by us. Will miss your leadership so much. One day cancer too shall die…
Workplace for women at Safaricom, Photo: Nation media
It was exceptional for Bob to introduce such an amazing project in Kenya’s work environment, this was certainly unheard of in any organization. When asked in a previous interview with a local daily, Michael Joseph had this to add about the Safaricom Daycare;
The idea was to create a conducive environment for our staff where they can continue to add value to the company at the same time playing their parental role fully. Better parents make better employees and with the day-care centre, our employees can give their best to Safaricom without worrying about the quality of care given to the children as the care centre is managed by professionally trained child caregivers.
Safaricom Creche on Waiyaki way, Photo: Courtesy
Mothers working in companies that have no provision for taking babies to the office rely on house helps to feed the infants. So far, this is usually the last resort.
Check out some of the reactions by KOT;
Now you know why Safcom employees will die defending the Organization. Bob made them bring their homes to work.
