Safaricom’s KES 30 Billion Initiative to Transform Kenyan Education with Scholarships and ICT Infrastructure
Safaricom, through its M-PESA Foundation, has unveiled a monumental education program dubbed ‘Citizens of the Future,’ a comprehensive initiative designed to significantly enhance education and training outcomes across Kenya over the next five years. This ambitious undertaking aims to bridge critical gaps in the educational system by focusing on innovation and substantial material support, with an initial investment of approximately KES 30 billion. The program consolidates various education interventions to improve access from early learning to technical and vocational training, positioning Safaricom as a key player in shaping Kenya’s educational landscape and preparing its youth for a digitally-driven future.
Catalyzing Digital Transformation and Student Empowerment
The ‘Citizens of the Future’ program is structured around three core pillars: upgrading vital ICT infrastructure, enhancing teacher skills, and providing crucial financial aid to students. Over the next five years, Safaricom plans to upgrade infrastructure and boost teacher ICT skilling across more than 600 institutions nationwide. This robust digital transformation includes the development of “Schools of the Future” – model institutions equipped with modern infrastructure and integrated technology to enrich the learning experience. Furthermore, the initiative is committed to awarding scholarships to over 10,000 students in senior secondary and tertiary institutions, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder promising academic journeys. Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, articulated the vision, stating, “We have developed education interventions that seek to bridge the gap through innovation and material support. Under the Citizens of the Future Program, we are consolidating our initiatives to ease access to education from early learning to technical and vocational training in an initial investment of about KES 30 billion in the next five years.” This strategic investment underscores Safaricom’s dedication to fostering a digitally literate and skilled generation ready to contribute to Kenya’s economy.
This extensive commitment from Safaricom and the M-PESA Foundation represents a significant leap forward for education in Kenya, aligning with the broader African tech context where digital literacy and accessible education are paramount for economic growth. By investing KES 30 billion in ICT infrastructure, teacher training, and student scholarships, Safaricom is not just improving schools but actively cultivating a generation of ‘Citizens of the Future’ equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. This initiative is set to leave a lasting legacy, fundamentally transforming educational access and quality across the nation.
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