Safaricom unveiled a KSh 30 billion education initiative through the M-Pesa Foundation. Safaricom PLC CEO Peter Ndegwa speaking during the launch of the ‘Citizens of the Future’ programme. Photo: Safaricom. Source: Twitter The programme, titled Citizens of the Future, is aiming to transform learning in Kenya over the next five years. How will the KSh 30 billion funding be used? The funding initiative will provide 10,000 scholarships and upgrade over 600 schools across all 47 counties. Building schools of the future Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the initiative is part of the company’s long-term plan to bridge education gaps through innovation and material support. He noted that the initial investment of KSh 30 billion will fund the creation of “schools of the future” with sustainable infrastructure, modern technology, and inclusive facilities for learners with special needs. Ndegwa emphasised that Citizens of the Future unites all of Safaricom’s education efforts into one powerful initiative that will improve classrooms, expand digital access, and open opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Citizens of the Future brings together all of Safaricom’s education efforts under one powerful programme. Over the next five years, the initiative will upgrade education infrastructure in at least 600 schools across all 47 counties, offer digital training for teachers and learners, and provide scholarships for secondary and tertiary students. This programme isn’t just about improving buildings, it’s about building futures and laying the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” Ndegwa said during the laucn of the programme. READ ALSO Johnson Sakaja calls for affirmative action to increase number of public schools in Nairobi He highlighted Safaricom’s continued commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goal on quality education, noting that the company prioritises community impact over commercial success. Safaricom’s education initiatives in Kenya Safaricom has also established Instant Network Schools in Kakuma and Dadaab to support refugee students with internet-enabled education, and collaborations with UNICEF Kenya and Huawei have connected over 30,000 learners to digital literacy tools, laying the groundwork for a tech-driven education system. Ndegwa, who reflected on his personal education journey from Ngaideithia Primary to Starehe Boys Centre, said no child should have to struggle to learn. He added that Citizens of the Future is designed to create equal learning opportunities for all Kenyan children regardless of their background.
By Elijah Ntongai
