New Financing Model for a Digital Generation

A landmark Sh1.2 billion agreement to accelerate digital transformation in Kenyan private schools was formalized in Nairobi on Monday, November 17, 2025. The partnership between licensed digital credit provider MyCredit Limited and education technology firm Enkisoma Africa Limited aims to dismantle the significant financial barriers that have hindered technological upgrades in the country's burgeoning private education sector. This initiative will provide comprehensive financing for computer labs, laptops, educational software, and digital content, directly addressing the high upfront capital costs that many institutions cannot meet from their operational revenues.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), MyCredit has committed the funds through its specialized education financing product, “Kuza Elimu” (Swahili for “Grow Education”). This facility is specifically structured to fund the technology packages and long-term support provided by Enkisoma Africa. Speaking at the signing ceremony, MyCredit Managing Director Wangaruro Mbira emphasized that the lack of accessible financing has been a primary obstacle to digital adoption. “This partnership is a game-changer for educational institutions that have struggled with the capital expenditure required to digitize,” Mbira stated on Monday. The collaboration is designed to ensure that financing is directly linked to the acquisition of high-quality technology and crucial ongoing support.

A Comprehensive Solution Beyond Hardware

The initiative will launch with a pilot program targeting 150 private schools to assess demand and refine repayment structures before a planned national rollout. Enkisoma Africa, led by CEO Sankei Ole Kenga, will manage the implementation, which extends far beyond simple hardware provision. The package for schools includes the installation of complete computer labs with either laptops or desktops, digital content servers for areas with poor internet connectivity, licensed educational software, and structured teacher training sessions. Crucially, the deal also incorporates ongoing maintenance and technical support—a critical component where many past digital projects have faltered due to equipment breakdowns or a lack of skilled personnel. “Digital literacy and access to modern learning resources are non-negotiable for the future of our students,” said Kenga. “Our collaboration with MyCredit creates a powerful solution that not only delivers cutting-edge labs and content but also guarantees their successful implementation and sustainability through reliable financial backing.”

Context: Bridging Gaps in Kenya's Digital Education Landscape

This private-sector initiative emerges against the backdrop of the Kenyan government's long-standing efforts to integrate ICT into education. The state’s flagship Digital Literacy Programme (DLP), launched in 2016, has distributed over 1.2 million devices to public primary schools. However, the public program has faced significant hurdles that have limited its impact. Official reports and academic studies have highlighted persistent challenges, including unreliable electricity and internet connectivity, especially in rural areas, and inadequate teacher training. A 2018 report from the Teacher Service Commission noted that 80% of teachers had IT knowledge gaps, while monitoring by the ICT Authority found many government-issued devices were unused due to a lack of trained staff. Furthermore, issues with maintenance and the high cost of sustaining the program have been recurring themes.

The MyCredit-Enkisoma model offers a different approach, particularly for the private school market, which serves a significant portion of Kenyan students. By bundling financing, vetted technology, curriculum-aligned content, teacher training, and long-term support, the partnership aims to provide a sustainable, end-to-end solution. This approach reflects a broader trend away from one-off donations toward integrated financing models that can ensure technology remains functional and effectively used in the classroom. With the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) demanding greater digital literacy from all learners, such initiatives are critical for preparing Kenyan students for a digital-first global economy. The success of this pilot could provide a scalable model for how private capital can be leveraged to accelerate digital readiness and enhance educational outcomes across Kenya and the wider East Africa region.