MrBeast, whose real name is James Stephen Donaldson, has funded the construction of seven new classrooms and delivered new desks to Nyakichiwa Primary School in Bomet County, Kenya, following an assessment of the school’s infrastructure.
The initiative came after MrBeast and his team visited the school and documented the condition of its learning facilities. Pupils were studying in dilapidated structures with limited classroom space and inadequate furniture. In some cases, four learners shared desks designed for two, while others reportedly sat on stones or on the floor during lessons.
Seven New Classrooms Built
The intervention included:
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Construction of seven new classrooms
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Delivery of a truckload of desks and chairs
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Reinforcement or replacement of older classroom structures
The additional classrooms are expected to ease congestion at the school, which serves a growing pupil population in Bomet County. School representatives said the new buildings feature improved roofing, stronger walls, and better flooring compared to the previous structures.
“The new classrooms and desks will significantly reduce overcrowding and improve the learning environment,” a member of the school administration noted.
Addressing Infrastructure Challenges
Nyakichiwa Primary School reflects a broader challenge facing many rural public schools across Kenya, where infrastructure development has not kept pace with rising enrolment. Data from the Ministry of Education has previously highlighted disparities in classroom-to-pupil ratios, particularly in rural counties.
Before the upgrade, teachers reported difficulties managing large class sizes in confined spaces. The shortage of desks and chairs was cited as affecting pupil comfort, concentration, and classroom organisation.
Part of Broader Philanthropic Efforts
MrBeast is globally known for philanthropy tied to his YouTube platform, which has hundreds of millions of subscribers. His projects are typically funded through advertising revenue and brand partnerships and are documented in widely viewed videos that outline the planning and implementation process.
In Africa, his initiatives have included drilling boreholes, constructing housing, installing community kitchens, and supporting school feeding programmes in countries such as Kenya and Ghana.
The newly constructed facilities at Nyakichiwa Primary School are expected to benefit both current and future pupils by providing expanded classroom space and adequate furniture to support daily learning activities.
