Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria has issued a warning to philanthropists and well-wishers when it comes to helping the needy.
Speaking during an interview with local YouTubers, Mosiria urged them to avoid sharing their personal phone numbers when raising funds for the needy.
He explained that giving out personal numbers can create confusion and make it difficult to track how donations are actually used.
“Unaposaidia mtu peana number yake aweze kusaidiwe direct, kwa sababu naona watu wengi wanaposaidia wanapeana number zao za kibinafsi ukipeana hiyo number ile pesa ya juu inaenda wapi?” Mosiria questioned.
He gave a practical example of someone who may have raised five million shillings during a fundraising drive, but the recipient ends up receiving only a fraction of that amount.
“Maybe umechangiwa millioni tano alafu unapatia mtu may elfu mia moja,” he added.
Mosiria emphasised the importance of proper channels and accountability in fundraising, urging philanthropists to use formal systems or verified accounts instead of personal contacts. This way, donors can follow up and confirm that their contributions reach the intended beneficiaries safely.
“Si semi kwamba hawafanyi vizuri, wanafanya vizuri but wakuwe wakipeana number ya yule anasaidiwa alafu tuna follow up tunahakikisha kwamba kweli alisaidika na ile pesa alichangiwa alipata kwa simu yake,” he added.
According to Mosiria, his suggestion aims to protect both donors and recipients and ensure that charitable efforts are transparent, accountable, and effective.
Importance of transparency
Mosiria’s sentiments come at a time when fundraising drives have become an essential way for philanthropists and well-wishers in Kenya to support vulnerable communities, provide emergency relief, and promote social causes.
However, the success of these initiatives depends heavily on accountability and transparency. Donors need assurance that their contributions are being used effectively and reaching the intended beneficiaries. Without proper checks, even well-intentioned efforts can face scepticism, diminishing public trust.
Philanthropists and well-wishers in Kenya have increasingly found themselves in the spotlight, often asked to explain how the funds they contributed have been allocated. In some cases, the lack of clear reporting has led to public scrutiny, criticism, and, in extreme cases, accusations of mismanagement.
This pressure highlights the need for donors and organisers alike to maintain detailed records and communicate openly about fundraising outcomes.
Transparency ensures that every shilling donated is traceable and accounted for. Donors can track how funds are spent, from purchasing goods and services to delivering aid to those in need.
