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In a significant boost to child well-being and education, Bata Shoe Kenya PLC in partnership with World Vision Kenya( WVK) has donated 355 pairs of school shoes to students at Chepseon and Belbur Primary Schools in Salgaa, Nakuru County,aims to improve school attendance, comfort, and self-esteem among learners from vulnerable backgrounds.

Bata Shoe Kenya, the country’s leading footwear company since 1939, operates over 120 stores and runs a world-class factory in Limuru. As part of the global Bata Group, the company actively engages in corporate social responsibility efforts, including the Bata Children’s Program (BCP), which has impacted over 400,000 children worldwide since its inception in 2011.

“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,” said Gilbert Kamanga, National Director, World Vision Kenya.

Chepseon Primary School, established in 2013 to address rising child fatalities along the busy Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, now accommodates 747 learners. Many of these children face extreme hardships, including food insecurity, parental neglect, and homelessness. The school has become a sanctuary, working closely with authorities to rescue and support vulnerable children.

Similarly, Belbur Primary School, founded in 1983, serves 1,027 learners and remains the only primary learning institution within a two-kilometer radius. It plays a critical role in providing stability and education to children from the densely populated Salgaa area.

Bata Kenya’s donation aligns with the objectives of the Inuka Angaza Fund, a World Vision Kenya initiative that mobilizes local resources to support transformative projects for vulnerable children. By providing school shoes, the initiative ensures that students can attend school regularly, enhancing their overall well-being and academic performance.

“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,” said Benson Okumu, Managing Director at Bata Shoe Kenya PLC.

Beyond this donation, Bata Kenya remains dedicated to community development. In 2024 alone, the company reached over 5,000 children across Kenya, providing over 3,000 pairs of shoes, sanitary towels, and educational materials to improve learning conditions.

This partnership between Bata Kenya and World Vision Kenya reflects a shared commitment to transforming lives through education. By working together, they are ensuring that children in underserved communities have access to basic necessities, empowering them to learn and thrive.