M-PESA foundation launches KES 30 billion programme to transform learning in Kenya

Safaricom, through the M-PESA Foundation, has unveiled an ambitious education programme designed to enhance learning outcomes and transform the education landscape in Kenya.

The initiative, known as Citizens of the Future, will be implemented over the next five years with a projected investment of KES 30 billion, targeting more than 600 basic and tertiary institutions across the country.

At its core, the programme aims to upgrade learning infrastructure, strengthen digital literacy among teachers, and provide over 10,000 scholarships to students in senior secondary and tertiary institutions.

The Foundation envisions a future-ready education system, one that is inclusive, sustainable, and digitally empowered.

“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 Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer, Safaricom.

Building “Schools of the Future”

A key feature of the programme is the establishment of model institutions referred to as Schools of the Future that embody the vision of modern, technology-driven learning environments.

These model schools will integrate sustainable infrastructure, digital learning systems, and inclusive designs to accommodate learners with special needs.

The Foundation’s strategy aligns with Kenya’s broader education agenda, which prioritizes digital inclusion, equitable access, and the nurturing of 21st-century skills.

By supporting this vision, the initiative seeks to complement ongoing reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and bolster the government’s efforts toward a digitally competent workforce.

Addressing Persistent Education Gaps

Kenya’s education sector continues to receive significant public investment, with KES 628.6 billion allocated in the 2023/24 financial year, representing 20.7% of national revenue and 4.7% of GDP.

This figure places the country above UNESCO’s 4% minimum threshold but still below the recommended 15–20% share of total public expenditure.

Despite the substantial allocations, systemic challenges persist. Schools continue to grapple with inadequate capitation, limited access to modern teaching materials, and underdeveloped infrastructure issues that hinder the equipping of learners with the skills required for a rapidly evolving digital economy.

The government increasingly relies on private-sector partnerships to close these gaps through resource mobilization, technical assistance, and capacity building.

The M-PESA Foundation’s Citizens of the Future programme is positioned as a major contributor to these collaborative efforts, strengthening the bridge between education, technology, and employability.

Reimagining Learning for the Digital Age

“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,” said Nicholas Nganga, Chairman, M-PESA Foundation.

This transformation, Nganga noted, is not only about improving facilities but also about rethinking pedagogy and the overall learning experience.

By incorporating digital tools and fostering innovation in teaching, the programme seeks to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability among learners, skills essential for participation in the global economy.

Technology integration will also empower educators with digital competencies, ensuring they can effectively guide students in using digital platforms for research, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

25 Years of Impact and a Renewed Vision

As Safaricom celebrates 25 years of operation, the new programme underscores its continued commitment to social investment through education.

The company and its foundations have already invested over KES 29 billion, impacting more than 4 million learners across Kenya.

The Citizens of the Future initiative builds on this legacy, combining experience in philanthropy with a forward-looking vision for digital transformation.

“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 mould future-ready learners through digital integration,” said Michael Joseph, Trustee, M-PESA Foundation.

Public Participation and Nominations

To ensure inclusivity and community participation, Kenyans will have an opportunity to nominate learning institutions for potential upgrading through the programme’s website  www.citizenofthefuture.org.

Shortlisted schools will be selected based on a transparent set of criteria to ensure equitable distribution

of resources and impact across regions.

The M-PESA Foundation’s approach signals a broader shift toward partnerships that align education with the digital transformation agenda.

By merging sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, the Citizens of the Future programme aims to redefine what it means to learn and teach in Kenya, transforming classrooms into spaces where technology, creativity, and opportunity converge.

As Kenya looks ahead, initiatives like these will be pivotal in preparing the next generation of citizens, digitally skilled, adaptable, and ready to lead the nation into a knowledge-driven future.