As part of its ongoing mission to support educational advancement in Kenya, the M-Pesa Foundation has made significant strides in improving learning environments for students in underserved regions. Recently, the foundation unveiled a fully revamped Kametho Primary School in Siaya County and launched a comprehensive development project at Ober Primary School in Homa Bay County. The total KES 75 million investment is part of the Citizens of the Future Programme, which aims to uplift educational facilities across the country, creating conducive learning environments and enabling digital literacy among Kenyan youth.
Through these projects, the M-Pesa Foundation not only aims to elevate education standards but also address gaps in essential facilities, which are often a barrier to quality learning. By investing in robust educational infrastructure, the foundation aligns with its mission to transform lives and empower communities.
The transformation of Kametho Primary School in Siaya County is one of the flagship projects under the Citizens of the Future Programme. With an investment of KES 35 million, the school has been overhauled to offer an improved learning environment designed to support the holistic development of students at all levels. The new facilities include:
- Renovated and Newly Constructed Classrooms: These classrooms are tailored for early childhood development education (ECDE), grade school, and junior secondary students, ensuring a comfortable and conducive space for learning across all age groups.
- ICT Laboratory: A fully equipped information and communication technology (ICT) lab has been introduced to foster digital literacy. As technology becomes increasingly central to education, this lab will empower students with digital skills that are essential for their future in a globalized world.
- Upgraded Ablution Facilities and Water Supply: With new ablution blocks for students and staff, the school now has improved sanitation facilities. Additionally, a reliable water supply has been integrated to support hygiene and general school operations.
- Modern Kitchen: Recognizing the importance of nutrition in education, the foundation has also built a kitchen equipped to prepare meals for students, enhancing the school’s capacity to support student well-being.
Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation, expressed the foundation’s commitment to investing in education, noting, “Education has the power to unlock the potential of our communities and enhance the livelihoods of our people, regardless of their background. That is why, in line with our purpose of transforming lives, we consistently invest in education by supporting school infrastructure projects across the country.”
These facilities at Kametho Primary School reflect M-Pesa Foundation’s approach to holistic support, addressing not only academic needs but also the social and health needs of students, making it a model institution that other schools in the region can aspire to.
Following the success at Kametho Primary School, M-Pesa Foundation has commenced work on a KES 40 million project at Ober Primary School in Homa Bay County. This initiative is designed to tackle pressing infrastructure challenges and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive learning experience that supports early childhood development, grade school, and junior secondary education. Key elements of the project include:
- Classrooms for All Grades: New classrooms will be constructed and equipped to create high-quality learning spaces for students from ECDE to junior secondary.
- ECDE Block: Early childhood education will receive special focus with a dedicated block to encourage learning from a young age, creating a foundation for academic success.
- 40-Seater ICT Laboratory: In line with Kenya’s goal of digital literacy for all students, the project includes a state-of-the-art ICT lab. Once completed, it will be instrumental in equipping students with critical digital skills.
- Ablution Facilities and Kitchen: The project will also see the construction of new ablution blocks and a kitchen, similar to the facilities at Kametho, emphasizing hygiene, nutrition, and overall student welfare.
With these investments, Ober Primary School will have a transformative impact on the community, giving students a conducive and supportive environment for learning. The M-Pesa Foundation’s commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps underscores the importance of supporting underprivileged areas that face numerous challenges in accessing quality education.
The Citizens of the Future Programme, under which these projects fall, is a strategic initiative by the M-Pesa Foundation focused on elevating Kenya’s educational landscape. The program works toward creating sustainable educational resources, especially in regions where schools are under-resourced. By fostering an environment that promotes holistic development, the Citizens of the Future Programme aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving a globally competitive education system.
Key Aspects of the Citizens of the Future Programme:
- Infrastructure Development – Schools across Kenya face significant infrastructure challenges, from outdated classrooms to limited sanitation facilities. The Citizens of the Future Programme addresses these challenges by constructing and renovating classrooms, libraries, kitchens, ablution blocks, and ICT labs.
- Digital Literacy and ICT Integration – As digital literacy becomes crucial for modern education, the program includes the establishment of ICT labs to provide students with essential digital skills. The emphasis on technology equips students to compete in a knowledge-driven global economy.
- Focus on Holistic Development – The program doesn’t just target academic facilities; it considers other vital areas like health, nutrition, and early childhood development, which contribute to a well-rounded learning environment.
Since its inception in 2010, the M-Pesa Foundation’s education programs have positively impacted over 1.3 million learners across Kenya. Beyond infrastructure, the foundation supports initiatives such as the M-Pesa Foundation Academy, which offers scholarships and advanced educational resources to economically disadvantaged students.
The M-Pesa Foundation’s contributions to education resonate deeply with communities that face limited access to quality learning resources. The foundation’s projects have a transformative impact on the daily lives of students and their communities in several ways:
- Improved Learning Outcomes: Enhanced facilities directly contribute to better educational outcomes by creating environments conducive to effective teaching and learning.
- Increased Enrollment Rates: Quality facilities attract more students to enroll in school, improving access to education for marginalized communities and helping to bridge educational disparities.
- Long-Term Community Benefits: Education is a powerful driver of economic development, and by investing in schools, the foundation indirectly supports long-term economic growth and poverty alleviation.
- Promoting Equity in Education: By focusing on under-resourced schools in rural areas, M-Pesa Foundation promotes equity, ensuring that quality education is accessible regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location.
As the M-Pesa Foundation continues to invest in educational projects across Kenya, it is clear that the foundation’s approach is not just about building infrastructure; it’s about building futures. With a focus on sustainable development and community involvement, the foundation is helping shape the next generation of Kenyan leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
Moving forward, the foundation plans to expand its initiatives, targeting more schools in other underserved counties. The expansion will likely include further integration of technology and more comprehensive support for students’ physical and emotional well-being. Through these sustained efforts, M-Pesa Foundation is setting a benchmark in corporate social responsibility, illustrating the profound impact that a focus on education can have on society as a whole.
The M-Pesa Foundation’s transformative projects at Kametho Primary School and Ober Primary School underscore the foundation’s unwavering commitment to education in Kenya. By addressing key infrastructure needs, enhancing digital literacy, and supporting holistic student development, the M-Pesa Foundation is creating meaningful opportunities for thousands of Kenyan children.
These projects embody the vision of the Citizens of the Future Programme and the M-Pesa Foundation’s broader mission to transform lives through education. In doing so, the foundation plays a critical role in fostering an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future for all Kenyans. As the foundation continues its impactful work, communities across the nation can look forward to a brighter tomorrow, powered by the transformative potential of quality education.
