Citizens of the Future: Inside Safaricom’s Vision to Empower 6 Million Learners

Safaricom PLC is deepening its investment in Kenya’s education sector through Citizens of the Future, a flagship programme designed to equip young people with digital skills, learning opportunities and future-ready knowledge.

The initiative has already impacted more than 3 million learners across Kenya and now targets reaching 6 million beneficiaries in 500 schools over the next five years.

The programme forms part of Safaricom’s broader purpose-led strategy that combines technology, education and social impact to drive inclusive development.

Bridging the Digital Learning Gap

As technology continues reshaping education globally, access to digital learning tools remains uneven across many communities.

Safaricom says Citizens of the Future aims to bridge this gap by supporting schools with digital infrastructure, connectivity, mentorship and modern learning solutions.

The initiative also seeks to prepare learners for opportunities emerging within the digital economy.

Beyond classroom learning, the programme focuses on nurturing innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills among young people.

Supporting Communities Beyond Education

The education programme sits within a wider social impact ecosystem supported by the Safaricom Foundation and the M-PESA Foundation.

According to Safaricom’s FY26 impact report, the foundations directly impacted 4.4 million lives through investments in healthcare, sustainability and community empowerment.

Healthcare initiatives alone reached tens of thousands of people.

The company’s free medical camps served 72,883 people during the financial year, while the Uzazi Salama programme supported 8,063 mothers and children through maternal healthcare services.

Citizens of the Future: Inside Safaricom’s Vision to Empower 6 Million Learners

Sustainability Driving Long-Term Impact

Safaricom is also aligning its social impact agenda with climate action and environmental sustainability.

Currently, more than 35 percent of the company’s network operates on green energy through over 2,000 solar-powered sites nationwide.

Additionally, the company planted 3 million trees and recycled 352 tonnes of network waste during the year.

Safaricom’s environmental efforts recently earned it a Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) “A” Rating for the second consecutive year.

Beyond Connectivity

As Safaricom marks 25 years of operations, the company says its long-term vision extends beyond connectivity and telecommunications services.

Instead, the business increasingly sees itself as an enabler of opportunity, inclusion and sustainable growth.

Through programmes such as Citizens of the Future, Safaricom is positioning technology not just as a commercial tool, but also as a catalyst for education, empowerment and social transformation across Kenya.