EdTech Startups Partner With Nairobi Schools to Promote Smart Learning

Nairobi’s education landscape is witnessing a surge in collaboration between local schools and EdTech startups, as technology firms introduce smart learning tools to enhance classroom experiences. The Kenyan government recently announced a drive to leverage technology to boost the education sector, highlighting partnerships with EdTech innovators offering digital platforms, AI‑driven content, and school management systems.
One notable collaboration stems from iHUB Kenya’s EdTech Fellowship, backed by the Mastercard Foundation. In its second cohort, the program onboarded 12 promising startups whose solutions are directly aligned with school needs — including curriculum-aligned digital content, AI-powered tools for WhatsApp, and school management systems that simplify administration. Among the startups are SomaChat, a WhatsApp-based learning platform; Ultratude, whose Mzizi ERP integrates with KICD‑approved content; and eKitabu Studio, which produces sign language‑friendly learning resources.
International EdTech companies are also joining the mix. The South Africa–based Snapplify, which provides e‑books and digital content, continues to expand its operations in Nairobi, enabling schools to access interactive textbooks and AI-powered study tools.Meanwhile, Estonian startup Starcloud recently launched in Kenya with a digital library platform tailored for CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum) schools, bringing cloud-based, curriculum-aligned textbooks to Nairobi classrooms.
The impact of these partnerships is already being felt: teachers report increased engagement among learners, especially when using interactive e-books or AI tutors. Administrators say the new tools lighten administrative burdens and enable better tracking of student performance. With the government’s growing support and continuing innovation from both local and global startups, Nairobi could be charting a course toward a more digitized, effective, and inclusive education system.