Ed-tech innovator Esoma Solutions is revolutionizing the K-12 educational landscape by providing digital learning tools, with its standout offering, Esoma Kids, enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy skills through an engaging online platform.
Launched in 2018 by co-founders Julius Irungu, Kelvin Kung’u, and Esborn Waithuki, Esoma Solutions first introduced Esoma-KE, a comprehensive exam preparation service catering to students across the K-12 spectrum, specifically designed for children aged 4-10.
Building on this foundation, the team expanded their portfolio to include Esoma Kids, a dynamic, subscription-based educational platform that leverages the power of gamification to captivate young learners. By integrating interactive games and challenges, Esoma Kids aims to keep children motivated and excited about learning, thereby improving their grasp of essential literacy and numeracy concepts.
Irungu highlights the critical educational challenges that Esoma Kids seeks to address:
In Kenya, we’re facing a crisis where 60% of fourth graders struggle with grade three-level math problems and reading comprehension. This issue extends beyond our borders, with 89% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa unable to read and comprehend text by age 10. Esoma Kids represents a vital step towards alternative and supplementary educational strategies.
Despite the presence of other educational platforms in Kenya, such as Angaza Elimu, Akili Kids, Ubongo, and EIDU, Esoma Solutions has experienced significant growth. Its exam prep tool reached 600,000 users in 2023, and Esoma Kids has shown promising early adoption since its launch.
The startup has secured various funding sources, including a notable grant from the Mastercard Foundation. “To date, Esoma Solutions has amassed US$112,555 in equity-free funding, supplementing our revenue and initial investment from the founders,” Irungu shared.
The company is on track to achieve financial sustainability within the next 18 months, with plans for profitability thereafter. Currently focused on the Kenyan market, Esoma Solutions is ambitiously eyeing expansion into neighboring regions through strategic partnerships and collaborations, aiming to broaden its impact on education across Africa.
