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M-PESA Foundation Launches “Citizens of the Future” Programme
Safaricom Targets 600 Institutions and 10,000 Scholarships
Safaricom, through the M-PESA Foundation, has launched a new education initiative to strengthen learning and training outcomes across Kenya.
The five-year programme, dubbed Citizens of the Future, aims to upgrade infrastructure in more than 600 institutions, offer digital training for teachers, and award over 10,000 scholarships to senior secondary and tertiary students.
Sh30 Billion Investment in Education
According to Peter Ndegwa, Chief Executive Officer of Safaricom, the company is committed to bridging education gaps through innovation and material support.
“Under the Citizens of the Future Programme, we are consolidating our initiatives to make education more accessible, from early learning to technical and vocational training, with an initial investment of about KES 30 billion over the next five years,” he said.
Furthermore, the initiative will develop model institutions that represent “Schools of the Future.” These schools will feature sustainable infrastructure, advanced technology integration, and inclusive designs that accommodate learners with special needs.
M-PESA Foundation Launches “Citizens of the Future” Programme
Kenya’s Education Landscape
In the 2023/24 financial year, the education sector received KES 628.6 billion, accounting for 20.7% of national revenue and 4.7% of GDP.
This allocation places Kenya above UNESCO’s minimum threshold of 4%, yet still below the recommended 15–20% of total public expenditure.
Nevertheless, despite decades of investment and reform, the education system continues to face significant challenges. Limited funding, inadequate learning materials, and outdated facilities hinder progress. As a result, many schools struggle to create environments that nurture modern skills suited for the digital age.
Public-Private Collaboration in Learning
To overcome these challenges, the government is increasingly turning to the private sector for partnerships. These collaborations provide much-needed financial support, technical expertise, and capacity building for schools nationwide.
“We have seen firsthand what quality education can do for communities. Therefore, we owe our learners and teachers an improved experience. In today’s digital world, the classroom is evolving into something far more dynamic. We are not just supplementing education, we are transforming it,” said Nicholas Nganga, Chairman of the M-PESA Foundation.
Technology as a Catalyst
Moreover, the Foundation believes that technology will redefine the education landscape. It will empower learners and teachers to adapt to rapid global changes, preparing them for a knowledge-driven economy.
“This comes at a defining moment as we celebrate 25 years of Safaricom, a journey anchored on our purpose to transform lives. Through Citizens of the Future, we want every region to have a model institution that promotes both academic excellence and future-ready learners,” said Michael Joseph, Trustee of the M-PESA Foundation.
Public Participation and Nomination
Kenyans now have an opportunity to participate in this transformative journey. They have one month to nominate deserving learning institutions through www.citizenofthefuture.org.
Thereafter, shortlisted schools will be selected based on set criteria to determine the first group of beneficiaries.
A Legacy of Educational Impact
As Safaricom marks 25 years of operation, it continues to champion inclusive and quality education. Over the years, the company’s foundations have invested more than KES 29 billion, positively impacting over 4 million learners across the country.
Through Citizens of the Future, Safaricom aims to build on that legacy, creating a brighter, more equitable future for Kenya’s learners.
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