M-Pesa Foundation has announced plans to construct a Sh120 million Innovation Hub at Maseno University, a transformative project designed to nurture digital learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship among the university’s 27,000 students. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s flagship “Citizens of the Future” programme, which aims to equip young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital economy.
The state-of-the-art facility will comprise two computer laboratories, a specialised ICT lab, two business incubation centres, startup pods, and open collaboration spaces that foster creativity and innovation. It will also house a growth, research, and e-learning centre, as well as lecture and seminar rooms, reception areas, and twelve offices. Once completed, the hub will be fitted with 323 computers, seven projectors, and three printers, offering students hands-on exposure to technology and innovation-driven learning.
Speaking on the development, John Ohaga, Trustee at M-Pesa Foundation, highlighted that the investment reflects the Foundation’s long-term commitment to building the capacity of young innovators and preparing them for future job markets. He noted that the Innovation Hub will significantly enhance learning outcomes, providing students with the environment and tools needed to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. The facility is envisioned as a catalyst for research, creativity, and entrepreneurship both within Maseno University and beyond.
The project aligns with Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundation’s broader mission to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country. At the University of Embu, the Foundation is currently supporting 1,300 students through a nationwide scholarship programme. Additionally, its TVET Programme, launched in 2020, has empowered 700 students with technical skills in plumbing, electrical installation, food and beverage, and welding—fields that continue to play a vital role in Kenya’s industrial growth.
Through complementary initiatives such as the Wezesha Vijana project, the Foundation is extending its impact to youth in Nairobi, Isiolo, and Marsabit by equipping over 300 young people with employability and entrepreneurial skills. Collectively, these initiatives reaffirm M-Pesa Foundation’s unwavering commitment to empowering Kenya’s next generation of innovators and changemakers—ensuring that no learner is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.
