NAIROBI, Kenya- In a groundbreaking move, M-PESA GO, Old Mutual, and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) have launched a financial literacy online toolkit aimed at students in junior and senior schools.
Building on the foundation of a teacher training platform rolled out earlier this year, this initiative seeks to empower Kenya’s younger generation with the financial know-how needed to navigate an increasingly digital economy.
The newly unveiled toolkit combines gamified experiences and interactive sessions, allowing students to engage directly with financial professionals in a dynamic and practical learning environment.
Esther Waititu, Safaricom PLC’s Chief Financial Services Officer, emphasized the urgency of this program, noting the rapid evolution of Kenya’s financial ecosystem.
“Young people are at the heart of our economic growth,” Waititu said. “It’s vital to build their financial capabilities today to ensure a financially healthy society tomorrow.”
The toolkit aligns seamlessly with M-PESA GO, a platform designed for 13 to 17-year-olds to save, transact, and cultivate sound financial habits.
With tools like these, students are encouraged to make smarter money decisions, from saving for emergencies to borrowing responsibly and avoiding predatory practices.
Old Mutual’s Group CEO, Arthur Oginga, underscored the importance of preparing young people for financial independence.
“Without proper preparation, we risk perpetuating a cycle of instability for future generations,” Oginga said. He highlighted that financial literacy not only fosters resilience but also lays the groundwork for lifelong financial wellness.
The partnership between Old Mutual and Safaricom demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing societal challenges.
“Our shared commitment to innovation and our understanding of the financial landscape have allowed us to create impactful solutions that improve lives,” Oginga added.
This joint effort signifies a broader commitment to integrating financial education into Kenya’s curriculum, ensuring that financial literacy becomes a staple of student learning nationwide.
At its core, this initiative responds to the pressing need to mainstream financial education. By embedding it in existing curricula and enhancing it with digital tools, Kenya is taking a bold step toward creating a financially savvy generation.
With a youthful population poised to drive economic growth, programs like this are investments in the nation’s future. As Waititu aptly put it, “Financial literacy is essential to financial stability, and stability is one of our main objectives.”
