SAFARICOM EMPOWERS FUTURE LEADERS

By Mary Ndanu

Safaricom, through its liberal arm, the M-PESA Foundation, has launched a five-year education programme aimed at transforming learning and training outcomes across Kenya. The initiative, dubbed Citizens of the Future, seeks to upgrade infrastructure in over 600 basic and tertiary institutions, enhance digital skilling for teachers, and provide more than 10,000 scholarships for students in senior secondary and tertiary institutions.

With an initial investment of KES 30 billion, the programme marks one of the largest private sector-led education interventions in Kenya. It is designed to strengthen the education system by integrating technology, sustainability, and inclusivity, particularly for learners with special needs.

Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa said that the programme consolidates the company’s education initiatives into a unified effort to promote equitable access to quality learning. He noted that Citizens of the Future seeks to bridge gaps in the education sector through innovation and material support, complementing ongoing government efforts to improve the quality of education.

The initiative will include the establishment of Schools of the Future model learning institutions that reflect a reimagined education environment driven by technology, sustainability, and inclusivity. These institutions will feature modern facilities and digital infrastructure to prepare learners for the evolving demands of the digital economy.

Kenya’s education sector continues to receive substantial public investment, with KES 628.6 billion allocated in the 2023/2024 financial year—equivalent to 20.7 percent of national revenue and 4.7 percent of the GDP. This allocation surpasses UNESCO’s minimum threshold of 4 percent but remains below the recommended share of 15–20 percent of total public expenditure.

Despite consistent funding and reforms, the education sector still grapples with challenges including inadequate capitation, outdated learning materials, and limited infrastructure. These issues hinder efforts to equip learners with the skills required for a rapidly changing global job market.

The government has encouraged private sector collaboration to bridge resource and capacity gaps, positioning initiatives like Citizens of the Future as vital in complementing public investment. Through such partnerships, learners are expected to benefit from enhanced learning spaces, modernized teaching tools, and improved digital literacy among teachers.

M-PESA Foundation Chairman Nicholas Nganga emphasized that the programme goes beyond improving access to education by transforming the learning experience itself. He said the initiative aims to empower both learners and teachers with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Nganga added that the adoption of technology in classrooms will redefine the education landscape, allowing learners and educators to adapt to emerging socio-economic realities and technological advancements.

M-PESA Foundation Trustee Michael Joseph said the initiative coincides with Safaricom’s 25th anniversary and reflects the company’s longstanding commitment to transforming lives through sustainable investment in education. He noted that Citizens of the Future is envisioned to create model institutions in every region, nurturing future-ready learners capable of thriving in a knowledge-driven global economy.

Kenyans will have an opportunity to participate in the programme by nominating schools through the website www.citizenofthefuture.org. The nominations will be open for one month, after which deserving institutions will be shortlisted based on set criteria for upgrading and support.

Over the years, Safaricom and its foundations have invested more than KES 29 billion in education, health, and community development, impacting over four million learners across Kenya. The new programme builds on these achievements by addressing emerging challenges in the education system and promoting inclusive, technology-driven learning environments.

As the company marks a quarter century of operation, Safaricom continues to position itself as a key player in advancing Kenya’s social and economic development. The Citizens of the Future initiative underscores its commitment to fostering innovation in education, aligning with national and global goals for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

HARNESS LABOUR MIGRATION TO BOOST ECONOMY, PS MWA DIME URGES

by Mary Ndanu 

Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development, Shadrack Mwadime, has urged Kenya to leverage its youthful population and the benefits of labour migration to strengthen the economy through innovative strategies that safeguard remittances and transform returning workers into investors.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum on labour and migration, the PS said migration is a normal and everyday reality which, when well-managed, can generate significant development gains.

Mwadime cited remittances from Kenyans working abroad, which reached USD 5 billion (approximately KSh 600 billion) last year, as proof of migration’s growing contribution to the national economy.

> “Remittances alone account for nearly five per cent of our national budget. If properly safeguarded and utilized, even a small increase in remitted savings — say from five to ten per cent — could translate to over KSh 1.2 trillion, nearly a quarter of Kenya’s annual budget,” he said.

However, the PS noted that mistrust remains a major barrier to realizing the full benefits of remittances, as many Kenyans abroad hesitate to send more money home due to fears of mismanagement or misuse by relatives and intermediaries.

> “Young women working in Saudi Arabia or men in the Gulf remit money only to find it misappropriated. This undermines confidence and discourages savings,” he said.

Mwadime called for the establishment of safe and transparent remittance channels to guarantee proper use of the funds, adding that such measures would empower Kenyans working abroad to return home as investors rather than dependents.

> “Our investors should not always be foreigners. It can be your own brother or sister returning with capital and skills to create jobs,” he emphasized.

The PS further highlighted Kenya’s demographic advantage, saying the country’s youthful population presents both a resource base and a ready domestic market compared to ageing societies in Western Europe. He urged policymakers to bridge the gaps in technology and capital to unlock this potential.

> “The challenge is not a lack of resources. Africa has immense potential. The gaps lie in know-how and financing. That is why we must expose our young people to advanced technology and training abroad, so that they bring back knowledge and skills,” Mwadime said.

Drawing lessons from China’s development model, he noted that the Asian nation deliberately sent its youth to leading universities abroad, later using their expertise to power domestic growth.

> “Kenya can adopt a similar model to send out young people for skills acquisition, then reintegrate them as drivers of our industrial and economic growth,” he suggested.

Mwadime also cautioned against overreliance on foreign capital, questioning whether Western investments have always yielded sustainable benefits for Africa. He encouraged a shift towards self-reliance by empowering Kenyans in the diaspora to be the next generation of investors and innovators.

> “Ultimately, our strength lies in our people. Migration, when managed with foresight, is not a brain drain but a brain gain. Our youthful population, equipped with the right skills, can transform Kenya into a hub of growth,” he concluded.

GOVERNMENT REASSURES COFFEE FARMERS OF GOOD EARNINGS

By Pauline kisilu 

Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Mr. Patrick Kilemi, has assured coffee farmers that the government’s new reforms will secure their earnings and restore confidence in the industry, as Kenya marked International Coffee Day with a renewed call to strengthen domestic consumption and expand production.

Representing Cabinet Secretary Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya, Kilemi said the Coffee Bill, now passed by both the National Assembly and Senate, will soon be signed into law to provide a stronger framework for cooperatives, marketing, and farmer protection.

“The Coffee Bill has cleared both Houses, and only a few issues remain to be harmonized. Once enacted, it will guarantee democracy in cooperatives, fairness in marketing, and accountability in our coffee institutions,” he said. “The law is clear: the farmer must get at least 80 percent of the value of their coffee.”

Financial Empowerment

Kilemi highlighted the Direct Settlement System (DSS) as a game-changer in ensuring transparency and efficiency in payments. “Through the DSS, 590,000 farmers have already accessed Sh9.5 billion directly from buyers. This ensures certainty and respect for our farmers. If we respect farmers, they will give us better yields,” he noted.

He also underscored the role of the Sheria Fund, which has provided affordable loans to farmers, while warning cooperatives against misuse of funds. “This is the last waiver government will grant. From now, cooperative leaders must manage resources responsibly,” he said.

Production Challenges

Kenya’s coffee output has fallen from 150,000 metric tonnes in the 1980s to about 40,000 tonnes today. Hon. Wafula Wamunyinyi, the former Kanduyi MP who attended the celebrations, said the country is determined to return to peak levels.

“Our target is 150,000 tonnes within three years. This can be achieved by providing more seedlings, expanding acreage, and supporting farmers with improved agronomic practices,” he said.

Delegates agreed that global demand for Kenyan coffee remains strong. “Our challenge is not lack of buyers but lack of enough coffee to supply them,” said one farmer leader.

Transparency and Market Data

Mr. Henry Kinyua, Advisor in the Executive Office of the President and founder of Kilimo News, emphasized that farmers must be equipped with timely information. “Yesterday the average price at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange was $366 per 50kg bag. Every farmer deserves to know this. Information is power,” he said, urging the adoption of digital tools to monitor markets and boost cooperative accountability.

Domestic Consumption Drive

The push for Kenyans to drink more of their own coffee was a central theme of the day. Kilemi told participants that expanding local consumption would shield the sector from global price shocks.

“When we export coffee as beans, we are exporting jobs. Our potential lies in creating a strong domestic market, especially among youth. Let us take coffee to universities, workplaces, TikTok and Instagram. Coffee must be cool again,” he said.

Fairtrade Africa’s Regional Lead for East and Central Africa, Ms. Agapeters Sebasu, echoed the call, noting that Ethiopia consumes more than half of its coffee while Kenya consumes less than five percent. “We cannot continue producing the best coffee in the world but fail to drink it ourselves. Consumption is power,” she said.

Farmers’ Priorities

Farmer representatives used the event to push for better access to seedlings, modernization of cooperative facilities, and training. “We must move from 2kg per tree to at least 10kg. Extension services, modern pulping machines, and proper farmer education will secure both higher yields and better quality,” said Mr. Joseph Gitonga.

Several delegates credited the DSS and Sheria Fund for restoring their confidence. “For years, we toiled without pay. Today, with guaranteed payments, we can finally enjoy the fruits of our labour,” said one farmer.

Expanding Global Markets

Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU) Director, Mr. Timothy Mirugi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to capturing new markets. “This is a multi-billion industry built by hardworking farmers. We must grow production, strengthen local consumption, and target new buyers in Asia and the Middle East,” he said.

Farmers noted strong interest from China, India, and South Korea. “The demand is there, but we must scale up production to meet it,” one delegate observed.

Women and Youth in Coffee

The role of women and youth was also recognized, with the success of Zawadi Coffee — Kenya’s first Fairtrade-certified women’s brand — highlighted as proof of what inclusivity can achieve. Produced by cooperatives in Kericho and Nandi, Zawadi Coffee has reached both local and international shelves.

“This shows that when women are given access to resources, they deliver not only for their households but for the economy at large,” a delegate said. Youth programs were also identified as critical to securing the sector’s future.

A Crop of National Identity

As the celebrations closed, Kilemi underscored that coffee remains more than just an economic crop.

“Kenyan coffee is known globally for its aroma, quality, and flavor. It is not just a commodity but part of our national identity,” he said. “As we mark International Coffee Day, we recommit to protecting and promoting this crop for today’s farmers and for generations to come. Kenyan coffee, Kenyan pride. Our coffee, our pride.”