Safaricom M-PESA and BookSmart Empower Young Readers with Free Digital Library on M-PESA App
Designed to support early literacy, the initiative offers thousands of age-appropriate storybooks to children across Kenya.
Nairobi, Kenya, August 2025: In a groundbreaking move to strengthen family-led reading habits in Kenya, Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) M-PESA and BookSmart have partnered to bring free, high-quality children’s books directly to the M-PESA App. This collaboration makes it easier than ever for families to build strong reading routines from an early age.
BookSmart is a family reading app developed by international nonprofit Worldreader, designed to help children aged 3 to 12 fall in love with reading. With over 2,700+ engaging books and learning activities in both English and Kiswahili, the app features stories about adventure, science, pre-school, sports, and more, all available at no cost.
With the new integration into the M-PESA App’s “Education” section, families across Kenya can now explore the BookSmart experience from their smartphones with ease and convenience. “Every child deserves the chance to dream, explore, and grow through stories. By bringing Booksmart into the M-PESA App, we are putting the gift of reading right where it matters most- into the hands of parents and children, together at home. This is how we build a generation of confident, curious readers – one story, one family, one evening at a time.” Said Olivia Kimani. Director, Partnerships & Services at Worldreader.
Data from Worldreader shows that just 10 minutes of reading a day with a caring adult can improve a child’s vocabulary, school readiness, empathy, and confidence. But with many families lacking access to age-appropriate children’s books, BookSmart offers an innovative solution by turning any smartphone into a personal library.
“We’re in a global reading crisis, not because children don’t want to read, but because too many families lack the tools to help them start,” said Rebecca Chandler Leege, CEO of Worldreader. “With this partnership, we’re removing barriers and making reading a daily habit for millions of Kenyan children.”
What makes BookSmart unique?
- 2,700+ books and reading activities
- For children aged 3–12
- Free to use via the M-PESA App
- Books in both English and Kiswahili
- Available on Android, iOS, and web
To start reading, users simply open the M-PESA App, scroll to the “Education” section, and select BookSmart. No downloads needed, just stories that open a world of imagination and learning.
About BookSmart & Worldreader
BookSmart is Worldreader’ s flagship digital reading experience for families. Since 2010, Worldreader has supported over 22 million readers in more than 100 countries, helping children thrive through the power of books. In 2023, Worldreader received the prestigious US Library of Congress International Literacy Award for its efforts to advance global literacy.
To learn more, visit https://booksmart.world/free or explore BookSmart directly via the M-PESA App.
