This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt life across the globe, Base Titanium, a mining firm in Kwale County, has stepped in to support laid-off hotel employees. The company has started distributing food packages to at least 800 hotel employees who lost their jobs due to the outbreak.
According to Pius Kassim, the Community Relations Manager at Base Titanium, the hospitality industry in the region has been severely impacted by the pandemic, forcing many hotels to lay off staff. The food packages, which include essential items such as maize and wheat flour, beans, rice, sugar, cooking oil, salt, and tea leaves, are meant to help the laid-off staff through the crisis.
Base Titanium's support extends beyond hotel employees. The company has also assisted 190 fishermen, 143 boat operators, and 88 curio sellers in Ukunda Township with food items. Many tourist establishments in the coastal county have closed indefinitely due to the outbreak, leaving employees without work.
Some hotels are operating with a skeleton workforce to ensure the integrity of their buildings. The beneficiaries of the food packages are people who have seen their sources of income disappear due to the pandemic. Many are facing economic hardships and an uncertain future.
Base Titanium has committed to continuing the food package support to sustain the daily needs of the beneficiaries. The company's efforts are a beacon of hope for the laid-off hotel workers, who are struggling financially due to joblessness.
