By Eddah Waithaka
Bata Shoe Kenya PLC has donated 355 pairs of school shoes to students at Chepseon and Belbur Primary Schools in Salgaa, Nakuru County. The donation, made through World Vision Kenya’s Gifts-in-Kind (GIK) initiative, marks a critical step in supporting vulnerable children in the region.
Founded in 2013 to combat rising child fatalities from road accidents on the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, Chepseon Primary School has grown from a small Early Childhood Development Centre into a thriving institution.
Today, the school accommodates 747 learners (389 boys and 358 girls), many of whom come from extremely vulnerable backgrounds.
Students at Chepseon face daily challenges, including food insecurity, lack of parental care, exposure to abuse, and homelessness.
The school has become a safe haven, collaborating with local authorities to rescue and support children in need.
Similarly, Belbur Primary School, founded in 1983, serves 1,027 learners (534 boys and 493 girls). As the only primary school within two kilometers, it offers quality education and stability to Salgaa’s densely populated community.
The school shoe donation enhances children’s comfort, self-esteem, and school attendance.
This initiative aligns with World Vision Kenya’s Inuka Angaza Fund, which mobilizes resources for transformative projects supporting vulnerable children and communities.
Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of World Vision Kenya, emphasized the impact of the donation, “A pair of shoes can mean the difference between attending school and staying home. This donation will protect children’s feet from harm and also encourage school attendance and participation. We thank Bata for standing with us in our mission to offer hope and dignity to children who need it the most.”
Bata Kenya, through its Bata Children’s Program (BCP), has consistently supported education, health, and community development initiatives. Since its inception in 2011, the BCP has positively impacted over 400,000 children worldwide.
In 2024 alone, Bata Kenya reached more than 5,000 children, donating over 3,000 pairs of shoes, sanitary towels, and educational materials to improve learning conditions across the country.
Benson Okumu, Managing Director at Bata Shoe Kenya PLC, highlighted the company’s commitment, “At Bata, we believe every step a child takes should be safe and supported. We are proud to partner with World Vision Kenya in ensuring that children in Salgaa can pursue their education with confidence and dignity.”
John Ngoru, Regional Human Resource Director for Africa and the Middle East at Bata, added, “Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive without barriers. “
“Through our partnership with World Vision Kenya, we aim to ensure that these children have access to basic necessities, starting with proper footwear, which plays a crucial role in their journey to success,” said Ngoru.
This collaboration between World Vision Kenya and Bata Shoe Kenya PLC underscores a shared commitment to improving the lives of children in underserved communities.
By working together, the organizations are ensuring that vulnerable children have access to education and the basic necessities that enable them to learn, grow, and thrive.
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