Funding gaps stall growth of Kenya's EdTech startups

Funding shortages continue to hamper the growth of Kenya's education technology (EdTech) startups, limiting their ability to scale innovative solutions and reach more learners, particularly in underserved communities.

The programme has selected 12 startups for an 18-month acceleration programme aimed at improving fundraising readiness, building strategic partnerships and increasing market visibility.

Organisers said the Fellowship seeks to bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and sustainable growth by connecting startups with investors, development partners, government agencies and the wider EdTech ecosystem.

Since its launch in Kenya in 2023, the Fellowship has supported 36 EdTech companies, collectively reaching more than 700,000 learners, training over 11,000 teachers, partnering with more than 2,100 schools and expanding access to education for over 6,000 learners with hearing and visual disabilities.

Among the latest beneficiaries is Deaf Health, a startup tackling communication barriers between deaf patients and healthcare workers through digital learning and community outreach.

"We saw a gap where a deaf community member was not able to get prompt services mainly because of the lack of sign language interpretation and healthcare workers conversant with sign language," said founder Dr. Mohamed Jamal.

Jamal said the Fellowship provides more than financial support by offering mentorship, technical assistance and access to networks that will help the startup expand its impact.

Another participant, Assistive Math, is developing affordable digital tools to make mathematics more accessible for visually impaired learners. Founder Ron Pile said the high cost of assistive devices remains a major barrier to inclusive education.

"It is very expensive for blind students to access calculators. Some cost up to Sh80,000, while drawing machines are also costly and cumbersome to carry from one classroom to another," he said.

Educator Mina Visavadia said accessible technology can help create more inclusive learning environments.

"We're also trying to make it more accessible a space where learners can express themselves and truly experience what everyone else experiences naturally," she said.

As demand for inclusive education grows, the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship aims to equip startups with the funding, mentorship and partnerships needed to scale innovative learning solutions and improve education outcomes for vulnerable learners across Kenya.