Safaricom, M-Pesa Foundation partner with government to boost digital learning and equip Kenya’s classrooms for future

Kenya’s education system is set for a major digital transformation following a new partnership between Safaricom, the M-Pesa Foundation, and the Government of Kenya aimed at strengthening digital learning and preparing learners for a technology-driven future.

Speaking during the launch of Safaricom’s “Citizens of the Future” initiative in Nairobi, TVET Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria said Kenya must shift from theory-based teaching to practical, technology-driven learning that meets industry needs.

“We cannot prepare learners for a digital future without the right facilities. It’s time we train with purpose and fill real skills gaps,” she said, calling for deeper collaboration between educators, industries, and technology firms.

Basic Education PS Prof. Julius Bitok hailed the partnership as a major boost to the government’s ongoing education reforms, noting that part of the Ksh710 billion allocated to the education sector this year would support infrastructure, teacher employment, and distribution of two million digital learning devices.

Prof. Bitok said the Citizens of the Future initiative complements the government’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), adding that digital literacy is now essential for learners to thrive in an evolving global economy.

Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa revealed that the telecom giant will invest billions of shillings over the next five years to upgrade digital infrastructure in at least 500 schools across 47 counties, train teachers, and offer 10,000 scholarships to TVET students.

“This program is about creating equal opportunities for every learner, regardless of their background or location,” said Ndegwa. “No child should struggle just to learn.”

The initiative, implemented through Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation, will also provide assistive technology such as Braille kits, mobility aids, and speech-to-text tools to support learners with disabilities.

M-Pesa Foundation Trustee Michael Joseph said the program builds on Safaricom’s 25-year legacy of empowering communities, adding that bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and market skills is critical for Kenya’s competitiveness.

“Education is evolving, and this initiative ensures our young people are not left behind,” he said.

M-Pesa Foundation Chairman Nicholas Nganga reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transforming education, noting that its past programs have already benefited over 3 million learners and 3,000 schools nationwide.

He described education as the foundation of opportunity, saying the partnership would “empower Kenya’s next generation with digital skills and innovation for sustainable national development.”

Through the Citizens of the Future initiative, Safaricom and its partners aim to bridge the digital divide, promote inclusivity, and ensure every learner is equipped to thrive in Kenya’s fast-changing digital economy.