How Safe are You When Using Telecommunication Equipment?

Safaricom Limited has launched an information booklet on the safe use of telecommunication equipment in partnership with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Communication Authority (CA).

Speaking on Wednesday during the launch of the booklet titled: ‘The Answer is in Your Hands’, Geoffrey Wahungu, Director General of NEMA said that the timely publication will provide information which will go a long way towards demystifying how mobile phones and telecommunication masts work while at the same time addressing any fears on radio waves.

Bob Collymore, the Safaricom CEO said this was inline with their commitment to ensure their activities pose no risks to the health and safety of the communities in which they operate.

“The three mobile operators in Kenya have a combined 6,000 base stations spread across the country,” he noted. Besides their ability to transform the economy, “We are aware of the fears from the public about the assumed dangers of not only these connectors but also the use of mobile phones in general.”

Collymore noted that besides the World Health Organisation having no evidence of human health risks associated with use of mobile technology, there public is yet to be informed. “This misunderstanding and misinformation has the potential of slowing down the growth of the industry,” he said.

The statistics from CA indicates that Kenya has made more than 38 million active mobile phone users. East Africa is home to a high number of telecommunication masts, with an estimated 6,000 in Kenya alone.

“We have responsibility to ensure that we conduct our business with an emphasis on being transparent in our operations. This booklet seeks to ensure that our customers, who remain an integral stakeholder in the future of growth, understand the latest information on our expanding network,” said Bob Collymore, CEO, Safaricom.

The booklet will be available for free from NEMA and CA offices as well as Safaricom shops across the country. The online version can also be accessed at www.safaricom.co.ke/Emf.