The Ministry of Education, (MoE) has partnered with Safaricom, the Safaricom Foundation, and the M-Pesa Foundation to roll out a nationwide digital learning programme aimed at modernising Kenya’s education system and improving access to technology in schools.
The initiative, dubbed Citizens of the Future, was launched in Nairobi and will target over 500 schools across all 47 counties. It includes infrastructure upgrades, digital training for teachers and learners, and scholarships for 10,000 students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
Speaking during the launch, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the programme will be implemented over five years and will focus on equitable access to digital tools, connectivity, and career development. “No child should have to struggle just to learn. This initiative is about creating equal opportunities for every learner,” he said.
He alluded that the programme will be supported by partners including UNICEF and the World Bank, and aims to reach over 30,000 learners with ICT infrastructure and training. Communities will be able to nominate schools for inclusion via an online and SMS platform between October 30 and November 30.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Prof Julius Bitok also in attendance said the initiative complements the government’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and supports ongoing reforms.
ALSO READ:
He noted that the government has allocated Ksh710 billion to the education sector this year, including funds for hiring 100,000 teachers, constructing 23,000 classrooms and 1,000 laboratories, and distributing two million digital devices.
TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Muoria also called for stronger collaboration between government and industry to align education with market needs. She said Kenya must shift from theory-based instruction to practical, technology-driven learning.
“We cannot afford to prepare learners for a digital future when they lack the facilities to equip them for it,” she said.
Dr Muoria added that while industries are key partners in skills development, they often face constraints in time and resources. She urged educators to take a proactive role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations.
Former Safaricom CEO and M-Pesa Foundation Trustee Michael Joseph said the initiative builds on the company’s legacy of social investment. He noted that the M-Pesa Foundation and M-Pesa Academy have already supported thousands of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
M-Pesa Foundation Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a said the programme will enhance digital literacy, improve learning environments, and strengthen teacher training. He added that education remains the most effective tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and driving national development.
The Citizens of the Future initiative is expected to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation in education and support inclusive learning for all students, including those with disabilities. Safaricom has pledged to provide assistive tools such as Braille kits, mobility aids, and speech-to-text systems.
By Masaki Enock
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
