Relief has swept through hundreds of low-income households across the country after 400 bright but vulnerable learners were awarded full secondary school scholarships by the Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation, offering a lifeline to families grappling with the rising cost of education.
The beneficiaries were unveiled during the launch of the expanded Citizens of the Future Sponsorship Award Programme held at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County.
The initiative which targets academically gifted learners from disadvantaged backgrounds; ensures that financial hardship does not stand in the way of educational excellence.
Speaking at the event, Safaricom Director of Sustainable Business and Social Affairs, Karen Basiye, said the expanded programme underscores the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting equal access to quality education across the country.
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“This programme is designed to identify and support bright learners who, despite facing significant socio-economic challenges, have demonstrated exceptional academic potential,” Basiye said. “By investing in their education, we are investing in the future leadership and development of our nation.”
Under the expanded sponsorship framework, 150 students will join the prestigious M-Pesa Foundation Academy in Thika, while the remaining learners will be placed in various partner secondary schools across the country.
All beneficiaries will receive comprehensive support covering tuition, accommodation, learning materials, mentorship, and psychosocial support throughout their secondary education.
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Basiye revealed that Ksh500 million has been set aside to support the current cohort of learners drawn from Grade 10 to Grade 12, highlighting the scale and long-term commitment of the programme.
She noted that the scholarships are inclusive, targeting learners from poor and vulnerable households, including children from charitable homes and those who have persevered through extreme adversity.
The demand for the scholarships, she added, remains overwhelming.
“We received more than 8,000 applications after the forms were released, which reflects both the level of need and the trust Kenyans have in this programme,” she said.
For many families, the scholarships represent renewed hope. One of the beneficiaries, Jacob Mongesa Rube from Tiati Constituency in Baringo County, said the opportunity had lifted a heavy burden from his family. His father, the sole breadwinner, died in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, plunging the family into financial uncertainty
“This scholarship means everything to me and my family. It gives me a chance to continue my education and work towards my dreams despite the hardships we have faced,” Jacob said.
In Machakos County, another beneficiary, Lucy Muli, described the award as a life-changing opportunity that has restored her confidence as she prepares to begin secondary school. Her mother, Janet Ndunge, a casual labourer, said the news came as a huge relief.
“As a single parent with irregular income, I did not know how I would manage my daughter’s school fees. This scholarship has lifted a great weight off my shoulders,” Ndunge said.
The Safaricom M-Pesa Foundation has, over the years, played a significant role in transforming lives through education, health, and economic empowerment initiatives. With the expansion of the Citizens of the Future Sponsorship Award Programme, the Foundation continues to cement its place as a key partner in bridging educational inequality and empowering Kenya’s next generation.
By Felix Wanderi
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