M-Pesa, in collaboration with international nonprofit Worldreader, has introduced a free digital library for children directly accessible through the M-Pesa App. This initiative brings thousands of age-appropriate books to Kenyan families, marking a major step forward in promoting early literacy and digital learning inclusion. The integration of Worldreader’s BookSmart app into M-Pesa’s “Education” section allows parents and children to explore more than 2,700 storybooks and learning activities in English and Kiswahili.
The digital collection features stories across multiple genres, including science, adventure, sports, and early learning, catering to children aged 3 to 12. This collaboration aims to foster consistent reading habits within families, supporting children’s cognitive and emotional development from an early age. According to Worldreader, spending as little as ten minutes a day reading together can significantly enhance a child’s vocabulary, confidence, and overall school readiness.
Worldreader’s Director of Partnerships, Olivia Kimani, emphasized the importance of accessibility in promoting a culture of reading. By integrating BookSmart into the M-Pesa App, families can now enjoy thousands of quality children’s books anytime, anywhere. Worldreader CEO Rebecca Chandler Leege added that the partnership addresses the global reading gap by making literacy resources more accessible to underserved communities.
Since its inception in 2010, BookSmart has reached more than 22 million readers across 100 countries and was recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress in 2023 for its impact on global literacy. Now, with the reach of M-Pesa—Kenya’s most widely used mobile platform—this partnership ensures that even families in remote or resource-limited settings can access educational materials at no cost.
To access the service, M-Pesa users simply need to open the app, navigate to the “Education” section, and select BookSmart—no extra downloads required. This partnership not only enhances access to learning resources but also aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to promote equitable and quality education for all children, regardless of location or background.
