Stationery manufacturer BIC on Friday launched the first edition of EduTalk, a roundtable focusing on education in Kenya to commemorate the Global Education Week (GEW).

BIC says the launch emanates from its pledge to improve learning conditions for 250 million students by the year 2025.

The event was moderated by media personality Janet Mbugua and hosted a number of distinguished professionals in the education sector who engaged in two crucial panels.

The panels included ‘The Role of Private Sector in Contributing to Improving Education in Kenya’ and ‘The Role of Creativity in Today’s Education Environment and the Impact of Self-Expression on Students’ Learning and Development Process.’

“We continuously run education initiatives in the country, and annually commemorate Global Education Week. This year, we have further expanded our support to create a platform for educational professionals to collaboratively discuss potential opportunities in the sector in Kenya,” said Michael Sinclair, General Manager at BIC East Africa.


He added: “It is refreshing to come together with like-minded professionals who also believe in the power of education in the progression of societies. We look forward to hosting more of these sessions and collaborating with key players in education to contribute towards the industry.”

Kennedy Odede, Founder and CEO of Shinning Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) said: “If we want a strong work with responsible members of society, we have to invest in our students now, not later.”

On his part, Kitado Founder and CEO Sam Gichuru said: “Online education platforms through the analysis of the data available to them are able to have a better picture than a teacher in an overcrowded classroom, of the state of the individual student, both in the context of academics as well as other things taking place in that student’s life.”

Lavington Primary, Ajigo Primary School, and Kariobangi South Primary School were selected by the attendees to receive a donation of 1,500 BIC pens each in the course of November.

The stationery maker has also been supporting education including strategic partnerships like that done with Save the Children, Enactus, and Pacemaker International in East Africa.

BIC has also implemented the creative writing program ‘My Words My Story My BIC Pen,’ as well as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative Buy Me and BIC Will Donate 1 Pen.