The Zero Barefoot Campaign, led by President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto, has provided shoes to over 3,000 learners across 20 primary schools in Mutomo and Ikutha sub counties in Kitui County.
The shoe distribution event was held on Monday, June 3, at Itumba Primary School in Mutomo Sub-county.
Charlene, accompanied by a team from the Zero Barefoot Campaign, stated that the shoe distribution initiative focused on 20 primary schools in the region and aims to support underprivileged students in other schools throughout the county. The communities around the schools also benefited from food aid from the Ministry of East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development.
READ ALSO:
https://educationnews.co.ke/moe-to-disburse-ksh1-9-billion-to-nyamira-schools-for-infrastructure-upgrade-machogu-says/
The shoe distribution event was also attended by Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, and Regional Development, as well as Kitui South MP Rachael Kaki, Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto, and other local leaders from the county assembly.
The initiative’s CEO, Victor Kiprono Chepkelat, traversed all the schools despite dusty, weathered roads, encouraging pupils to study harder despite perennial challenges ranging from insecurity and drought.
CS Malonza emphasized the importance of unity among leaders to accelerate development and promote social cohesion. Both CS Malonza and MP Kaki pledged to collaborate harmoniously for the well-being of the region.
She mentioned that the Ministry of EAC, ASALs, and Regional Development has launched numerous initiatives aimed at integrating the East African Community and implementing community resilience and development projects across 24 arid and semi-arid counties in Kenya.
Additionally, she asked local leaders to back the ongoing distribution of government food aid to needy families, emphasising its critical role in alleviating suffering during emergencies.
Malonza clarified that she was not in conflict with any local leaders but remained dedicated to providing quality service to all Kenyans.
The Zero Barefoot Campaign was established in 2018 and seeks to alleviate barriers to education caused by inadequate footwear and other facilities among school-aged children. The campaign focuses on providing shoes to underprivileged pupils in arid and semi-arid areas.
By Frank Mugwe
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
