Telecommunications giant Safaricom PLC has announced a transformative education initiative that will see the company offer 10,000 scholarships and build 600 schools across Kenya as part of its Citizens of the Future programme.

The ambitious project, spearheaded through the M-PESA Foundation, aims to reshape the learning landscape by integrating technology, digital inclusion, and future-ready skills into Kenya’s education system.

Michael Joseph, Trustee at the M-PESA Foundation, said the initiative continues the foundation’s long-standing vision of transforming education in Kenya.

“The Citizens of the Future programme carries forward the Academy’s philosophy to reshape education and prepare children for the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said.

Michael lamented that It is about co-creating learning experiences that meet students where they are, helping them grow and succeed in different environments.

“We are proud to see how a seed planted 15 years ago has grown into a powerful platform nurturing leaders, changemakers, innovators, and citizens who will shape the future,” he commended.

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A Vision for Learning in 2050

Karen Basiye, Director of Sustainable Business, Social Impact, and The Foundations at Safaricom, painted a vivid picture of the classroom of the future, envisioning a world where education and technology fully converge.

“In this future, learners explore history through virtual field trips, study biology inside a human cell in virtual reality, and teachers use real-time data to guide every child’s progress,” she explained.

“Schools become creative hubs where students design, build, and solve real-world problems. But this future will only work if everyone has access, not just to devices, but to reliable connectivity and digital inclusion. The Citizens of the Future programme is where this journey begins,” she added.

Partnerships Powering Inclusion

M-PESA Foundation Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a highlighted the role of partnerships in making education accessible and impactful.

“Through strong partnerships and community effort, M-PESA Foundation continues to make education more inclusive. Together with the Ministry of Education and Vodacom Foundation, we have trained over 18,000 teachers in digital skills,” he said.

He emphasised that the infrastructural part of the empowerment process is not left behind saying, “We have built and renovated over 300 schools in all 47 counties, creating safe, modern spaces for learners. These efforts have reached and positively changed the lives of more than 4.3 million learners across Kenya.”

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Aligning Education with Industry, And A Gift to Kenya at 25

Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for the State Department of TVET, stressed the importance of aligning education with industry needs.

“For education to truly work, there must be strong collaboration between institutions and industries,” she said.

“Our learners must graduate with skills that match real industry needs. Education must move at the same pace as technology to keep our youth relevant and employable,” she added.

Safaricom Group CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized that as the company transitions into Africa’s leading purpose-led technology firm, education remains at the heart of its mission.

“Technology will power the Citizens of the Future programme. The goal is to nurture future-ready learners who continue to thrive long after they leave the classroom,” he said.

Ndegwa encouraged all Kenyans to participate in the revolutionary project by nominating the schools of their choice to be part of the journey.

“Every Kenyan can be part of this journey by nominating schools for support at citizenofthefuture.org. As Safaricom celebrates 25 years of transforming lives, this initiative stands as our gift to learners and to Kenya,” Ndegwa said.

Government Commends the Initiative

Ambassador Prof. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Basic Education, lauded Safaricom and the M-PESA Foundation for their continued investment in education.

“Investing in education is key, just look at Singapore and the benefits they are now reaping,” he said.

Bitok further added that the Citizens of the Future programme marks a milestone in Kenya’s education sector, merging technology, access, and sustainability to prepare a new generation for the digital age.

“This program aims to modernize our education system, integrate digital tools, and enhance teacher training. Our goal is to shape responsible, innovative, and globally competitive citizens. Education remains our greatest equalizer,” he concluded.

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Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. PHOTO/Safaricom.