This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
As schools continue to remain closed, Safaricom has announced the extension of free access to digital education content for primary and secondary school students until 8th September 2020.
Since April 2020, over 10 million education bundles have been redeemed to access e-learning platforms, while over 1.8 million learners have accessed the SMS-based Shupavu291 platform by Eneza Education.
According to Dr. Joel Mabonga, Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Safaricom's intervention has provided an opportunity for more learners to access lessons from home.
With learning institutions set to remain closed for an extended period, e-learning material on the Kenya Education Cloud by KICD and Mwalimoo by Eneza Education will be accessible at no cost via the free daily 100MB education bundle available on 544#.
Additionally, learners can access revision content and ask a teacher questions via SMS through Eneza Education's Shupavu291, which is accessible by dialing 291# or by sending the word LEARN to 20851.
“Waiving the daily fees on Shupavu291 has seen the number of learners accessing our platform every day grow by over 400%. It is also pleasing to note that around 64% of the learners are female, with over 46% of learners using their mothers' phones,” said Wambura Kimunyu, Eneza Education CEO.
“We are driven by a purpose of transforming lives, and education is one of the greatest agents of transformation. Our role is to promote inclusive digital learning by leveraging our extensive coverage and working with like-minded partners to empower parents and learners across the country,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.
