YouTube
sensation Jimmy Donaldson, known as MrBeast, has ignited a firestorm of
reactions in Kenya with his latest humanitarian effort, a school project in
Narok detailed in his April 12, 2025, video titled Watch This Video To Feed 1
Person in Need. The initiative, aimed at feeding and equipping a local school,
has drawn both praise for the philanthropist and sharp criticism of Kenyan
leaders on social media.
MrBeast
and his team transformed a school in Olorien, Narok, by funding daily breakfast
and lunch programs, starting with meals like porridge and githeri for over 500
students. “The more views this video gets, the longer we can sustain this
program,” he announced, linking viewership to ongoing support. The project led
to a surge in school attendance, prompting further investments: new desks to
replace overcrowded ones, a modern kitchen, a well, a water tank, a greenhouse,
and a farm to ensure food security.
To
scale the impact, MrBeast partnered with regional farms to supply fresh produce
to schools and communities, providing a tractor and a lorry to streamline
operations. By the project’s end, he claimed the school had enough resources
for 100,000 meals.
Kenyans
on X erupted in response, lauding MrBeast while slamming local politicians for
neglecting the region’s schools. “MrBeast has done what the government couldn’t
in 30 years,” one user posted. Another fumed, “With an MCA, MP, Senator, and
Governor, why does it take a foreigner to fix our schools?” Some referenced
past incidents, like the demolition of a classroom built by comedian Eric
Omondi in Turkana, predicting politicians might resent MrBeast’s intervention
or even attempt to claim credit. “Ruto’s probably planning to launch these
projects himself,” one quipped.
The
viral backlash highlights deep frustration with perceived government inaction,
amplifying MrBeast’s impact while fueling calls for accountability from Kenya’s
leaders.
