Mathare North Junior Secondary Students pose with their school suppliesPic .
By Editorial Team.
NAIROBI, Kenya – 24 October 2025 – As thousands of Kenyan students braced for the high-pressure national examination period, a nationwide initiative by stationery giant BIC stepped in to provide a crucial lifeline, reaching 50,000 young learners with a powerful combination of emotional encouragement and essential writing tools.
The drive, which spanned seven regions across the country, was designed to support students sitting their Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. By providing not just pens but also motivational “success cards,” the program aimed to alleviate the significant emotional and financial burden on both students and their families during this pivotal time.
“For many students, this is a defining moment in their young lives. We want them to know they do not walk this path alone,” said Paloma Lengema, General Manager of BIC East Africa. “Since its inception, BIC has been a companion for students in their learning journey. Our commitment goes beyond providing products; it’s about reinforcing the belief that education is the foundation for progress and a more prosperous future.”
The initiative delivered durable school supplies intended to last throughout the examination period and beyond. However, the gesture extended further than the physical tools. Each kit included a success card featuring an inspiring message, a small but meaningful effort to boost morale and resilience among the examinees.
The program also served as an indirect support system for parents and caregivers, acknowledging the shared stress they experience. By providing these essential resources, BIC helped alleviate a measure of the financial pressure and emotional anxiety that often accompanies the national exam season.
Mathare North Primary School Students pose with their school supplies.
This large-scale effort is a direct reflection of BIC’s global commitment to improving learning conditions for 250 million students by 2025, a cornerstone of its sustainable development program, “Writing the Future Together.” The timing is also significant, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the iconic BIC Cristal ballpoint pen—a product that played a historic role in democratizing education by making reliable writing instruments affordable and accessible to all.
The recent exam support drive is part of BIC Kenya’s broader, long-term investment in the country’s education sector. Earlier this year, the company concluded the fifth editions of its “Buy Me and BIC Will Donate a Pen” and “Express Myself with My BIC Pen” programs. To date, these initiatives have collectively impacted hundreds of teachers and approximately 80,000 students, underscoring a sustained commitment to empowering Kenyan youth throughout their entire educational journey.
