SAFARICOM LAUNCHES Ksh30B ‘CITIZENS OF THE FUTURE ’ PROGRAMME TO TRANSFORM EDUCATION
Safaricom, through its philanthropic arm M-PESA Foundation, has launched an ambitious Ksh30 billion education Initiative Called “Citizens of the Future.”
This transformative five-year program aims to revamp Kenya’s education landscape by upgrading over 600 learning institutions across the country.
It consolidates Safaricom’s existing education efforts into one cohesive platform that seeks to improve infrastructure, digital skills training for teachers, and scholarship opportunities for students.
“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 KES30 billion in the next five years,” said Ndegwa.
The program focuses on creating “Schools of the Future” by enhancing school infrastructure such as classrooms, ICT hubs, science labs, libraries, and administration blocks. Supportive facilities like multipurpose halls, dormitories, kitchens, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities are also part of the upgrades.
“We are witnesses to what quality education can do for communities and therefore owe our learners and teachers an enhanced experience. In a world that is increasingly driven by digital advancements, the traditional classroom setting is evolving into something far more dynamic. We are going beyond supplementing education to transforming it,” Nganga said.
A key element is integrating modern technology and digital learning tools to foster digital readiness among students and teachers.
The program intends to award over 10,000 scholarships to deserving students and provide comprehensive digital skills training for teachers, strengthening their ability to deliver quality education in a digitally-driven world.
Communities and stakeholders are invited to nominate public learning institutions for funding and upgrades through the program’s official website, with nominations open until December 31, 2025.
The nominated schools must demonstrate need, readiness for digital integration, and community involvement.
After nominations close, the M-PESA Foundation will conduct eligibility reviews, technical appraisals, and site visits before selecting beneficiary schools.
This described the initiative as a defining moment for the company, aligning with its 25 years of service and commitment to transforming education and training outcomes in Kenya.
“This does indeed come at a defining moment, as we are celebrating 25 years of Safaricom, a journey anchored on our enduring purpose to transform lives. Our objective under Citizens of the Future is to enable every region to have a model institution that not only trains for academic excellence, but to moulds future-ready learners through digital integration,” Joseph said.