Industry News Sustainability & CSR

Safaricom Foundation, Ministry of Education, and Vodafone Foundation Launch KES 240 Million Digital Skills Programme for Teacher Training Colleges in Kenya

Julius Migos Ogamba, EBS, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education (Right) and Joseph Ogutu, Chairman, Safaricom Foundation, (Left) officially launch a newly renovated ICT Lab at Machakos Teachers Training College during the launch of the Scaling Digital Skills programme .

In a bold move to transform Kenya’s educational landscape, the Safaricom Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Vodafone Foundation, has launched a KES 240 million programme aimed at scaling digital skills for educators across the nation. The programme will be implemented across 35 Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs), equipping future educators with the knowledge and tools to effectively incorporate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into their teaching methods. The initiative seeks to improve education outcomes and prepare students for a technologically driven world, providing a new foundation for learning in Kenyan schools.

Officially launched at Machakos Teachers Training College, the event was attended by Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, as well as representatives from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). The programme aligns with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) rollout, focusing on integrating digital skills into the educational framework. Recognizing the importance of digital proficiency for educators, the initiative aims to modernize teaching techniques, thereby creating a ripple effect that will benefit learners in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

“This programme reflects our commitment to strengthening the digital capacity of teachers across Kenya. By providing TTCs with the necessary digital tools, we are preparing future teachers to deliver high-quality education that integrates technology. This investment will positively impact both teachers and learners as we work towards improved education outcomes in the digital age,” noted Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of Safaricom Foundation, during the event.

The ambitious project will upgrade existing ICT facilities at TTCs and, where necessary, construct new facilities to accommodate the programme’s scope. So far, eight TTCs, including Machakos, Eregi, Asumbi, Igoji, Kamwenja, Garissa, and Kericho, have already benefited, with more TTCs lined up for similar improvements. The digital infrastructure enhancements will allow these colleges to incorporate online learning, multimedia resources, and interactive software, transforming the teacher-training experience.

Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba applauded Safaricom Foundation’s initiative, emphasizing the critical role digital skills will play in shaping Kenya’s future workforce. “We commend Safaricom Foundation for this timely initiative. As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) continues to be rolled out, integrating digital skills in our Teacher Training Colleges is crucial. This program will ensure that our teachers are well-prepared to deliver quality education using modern technology,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

This programme forms part of Safaricom Foundation’s broader strategy for 2023–2026, encapsulated in its “Citizen for the Future” project, which aims to improve school infrastructure while promoting equity in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has become a prominent driver of social transformation in Kenya, having implemented over 4,000 projects and positively impacting over 12 million Kenyans. The Foundation’s work is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, health, and economic growth.

As part of its strategic focus, Safaricom Foundation is also running initiatives like Ndoto Zetu, now in its sixth phase. Ndoto Zetu enables communities to propose development projects that align with the Foundation’s objectives, fostering sustainable philanthropy across Kenya. With Phase VII set to launch in April 2025, the Foundation’s long-term approach to social impact is clear and consistent, aiming to create lasting change in communities nationwide.

As Kenya moves away from the traditional 8-4-4 education system towards the Competency-Based Curriculum, there is a renewed focus on skills development. The CBC aims to equip learners with competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and ICT literacy, which are essential for the modern job market. However, the success of CBC hinges on educators’ ability to deliver the curriculum effectively.

Safaricom Foundation’s Scaling Digital Skills Programme is designed to fill this gap by ensuring that teachers entering the workforce are prepared to teach digital literacy and other CBC competencies. With access to up-to-date digital tools, teachers can foster a more engaging, interactive, and practical learning environment. This approach is expected to create a generation of students who are not only academically competent but also digitally proficient.

In recent years, Vodafone Foundation has taken significant steps to support digital literacy and skills development across Africa. This collaboration with Safaricom Foundation and Kenya’s Ministry of Education is part of Vodafone’s larger vision to bridge the digital divide in Africa. Vodafone Foundation has been involved in several successful digital literacy programmes across the continent, including the Instant Network Schools Initiative and Learning With Vodafone, which provide digital learning resources to underserved communities.

By joining forces with Safaricom Foundation in Kenya, Vodafone Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to digital inclusivity, ensuring that educators are equipped with the skills to teach the next generation effectively. This partnership is a powerful testament to Vodafone’s dedication to fostering digital inclusion and empowerment across Africa.

The Scaling Digital Skills Programme is not just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in Kenya’s future. By equipping teachers with digital skills, the programme is expected to have a long-term impact on Kenya’s education system and economy. Teachers who are comfortable with digital tools can create more engaging learning environments, enhancing students’ academic performance and preparing them for a competitive global market.

Furthermore, the digital transformation of TTCs aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to transform the country into a middle-income nation with a high quality of life. By focusing on education, health, and economic empowerment, Safaricom Foundation’s initiatives contribute to this national vision, positioning Kenya as a leader in digital literacy and skills development in East Africa.

Implementing digital transformation in education comes with challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure and accessibility. While urban areas may have the necessary digital infrastructure, rural TTCs often face connectivity issues, which could hinder the programme’s reach. To address these challenges, Safaricom Foundation and Vodafone Foundation are expected to focus on providing sustainable solutions, such as offline digital resources and portable connectivity tools, to ensure that teachers in all regions benefit from the programme.

The Scaling Digital Skills Programme also opens up opportunities for educational innovation. With access to digital tools, teachers can incorporate multimedia resources, virtual classrooms, and interactive simulations into their lessons, making learning more immersive and relevant. This shift will not only benefit students academically but also prepare them for careers in technology-driven fields, supporting Kenya’s economic growth.

One of the unique aspects of the Scaling Digital Skills Programme is its emphasis on empowering teachers. By enhancing teachers’ digital skills, the programme acknowledges the pivotal role educators play in shaping future generations. Teachers who can confidently use ICT tools in their classrooms can inspire students to embrace technology, creating a generation that views digital literacy as a core competency.

This approach is crucial in a world where digital skills are no longer optional but essential. As industries worldwide continue to adopt digital technologies, Kenya’s youth must be equipped with the skills to thrive in a technology-driven economy. By empowering teachers with digital skills, the programme ensures that students receive an education that prepares them for the realities of the modern job market.

While the Scaling Digital Skills Programme initially focuses on 35 TTCs, there is potential for expansion. As the programme progresses, Safaricom Foundation and its partners could consider extending digital training to other educational institutions, such as secondary schools and universities. Expanding the programme’s reach would create a seamless educational experience for students, ensuring they receive continuous digital skills training throughout their academic journey.

Moreover, Safaricom Foundation’s partnership with Vodafone Foundation opens doors for international collaboration, allowing the programme to tap into global expertise and resources. By leveraging Vodafone’s extensive network, the initiative can explore additional partnerships and funding opportunities, further enhancing its impact.

The Safaricom Foundation, Ministry of Education, and Vodafone Foundation’s KES 240 million investment in the Scaling Digital Skills Programme marks a milestone in Kenya’s educational transformation. As the programme equips teacher trainees with the skills to integrate ICT into their teaching methods, it sets the stage for a digitally proficient generation that can drive Kenya’s growth in a technology-focused world.

This collaboration not only supports Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum but also aligns with the broader vision of creating a digitally inclusive society. By investing in education, health, and economic empowerment, Safaricom Foundation and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all Kenyans.