🎓 Shoe4Africa Martin Lel Secondary School
(Established 2011 – Kimn’geru, Nandi County. Google maps)

The Shoe4Africa Martin Lel Secondary School was the first school we built, and it set the tone for everything that followed. Located in Kimn’geru, Nandi County, this school stands not just as a place of learning—but as a symbol of hope, possibility, and pride.

Named after Martin Lel, a local hero who rose from this very region to win three London Marathons, two New York City Marathons, and the World Championships, the school serves as a daily reminder that greatness can come from anywhere—even the most humble beginnings.

Our naming philosophy is simple yet powerful: elevate local legends to inspire the next generation. Martin Lel grew up in poverty, walking the same paths as today’s students, eating the same food, living the same struggles. Now his name sits above the school gate—a beacon for every student who dreams beyond the village.

“When kids see that Martin came from their neighborhood, they begin to believe they can do it too. He became a global superstar through sport and education—and so can they.”

The impact of this concept was captured by CNN, who visited the school and shared its story with the world. (Watch the video.)

🎓 Shoe4Africa Janeth Jepkosgei Primary School
(Established 2012 – Kapsumbeiyo, Nandi County. Google maps)

The Shoe4Africa Janeth Jepkosgei Primary School was our second education project, built in Kapsumbeiyo, a rural village in Nandi County. Named in honor of Janeth Jepkosgei, a World Champion and Olympic medalist, the school stands as a tribute to perseverance and the power of education.

Like many of the children who now study at this school, Janeth grew up in poverty—often walking barefoot to class and going hungry. Life in this region was difficult, but Janeth’s academic dedication and athletic determination became her way forward. With an outstanding school record and relentless work ethic, she climbed out of hardship to become one of Kenya’s most respected athletes.

Our decision to name the school after her was deliberate: we believe kids need relatable role models—people who walked the same roads they walk today. Janeth is a living example that dreams are possible, even in the most challenging environments.

“When the kids hear her story, they don’t just see a celebrity—they see themselves in her journey.”

Janeth remains deeply involved with her community. Today, she mentors and coaches young athletes and frequently visits the school that bears her name—continuing to uplift the very community that raised her.

🎓 Shoe4Africa Moses Kiptanui Primary School
(Established 2013 – Kamoi Chesubet, Elgeyo-Marakwet County)

In 2013, we built the Shoe4Africa Moses Kiptanui Primary School in the remote village of Kamoi, the birthplace of one of Kenya’s greatest running legends—Moses Kiptanui, a three-time World Champion and the first man in history to run the 3,000m steeplechase in under eight minutes. Press link.

Years before this school existed, Moses was already helping young athletes in his region, distributing donated shoes through Shoe4Africa to empower local runners. Toby Tanser first met Moses in the 1990s during athletic competitions in Europe, and the two have remained friends and collaborators ever since.

Kamoi had no school at all until this project. We set out to change that—and to honor a man who had given so much to his community. The results were extraordinary. Within just two years of opening, the Moses Kiptanui School ranked #3 out of 99 schools in the district, surpassed only by two long-established private institutions.

“It’s a free school. Built for the community. And already among the very best.”

Moses continues to inspire generations of children in his home village. His name on the school serves as a daily reminder that greatness can emerge from even the most rural places—when opportunity meets determination.

🎓 Shoe4Africa Sally Kipyego Primary School
(Established 2014 – Kaptiony, Elgeyo-Marakwet County. Google maps)

The Shoe4Africa Sally Kipyego Primary School was built in Kaptiony, a remote village tucked into the hills of Elgeyo-Marakwet County—Sally’s birthplace, and a place where opportunity was once out of reach for many children.

Sally Kipyego’s journey is remarkable. Born in poverty, she earned a sports scholarship to the United States, where she pursued nursing in Texas. Even as a student, she would call founder Toby Tanser asking,

“How can I help? How can I get involved?”

We answered her passion by committing to build a school in her home village. And just as construction began, Sally won an Olympic silver medal in the 10,000m—proof that education, hard work, and sports can change a life.

Today, Sally is an American citizen, a professional athlete, and a healthcare advocate—showing kids back home what is possible with dedication and vision. Her school stands as a symbol of opportunity and a tribute to her roots.

“To the children in Kaptiony, Sally is more than a name—they see what their future could be.”

🎓 Shoe4Africa Mary Keitany Secondary School
(Established 2018 – Torokwonin, Baringo County See on Google Maps

In 2018, we built the Shoe4Africa Mary Keitany Secondary School, honoring one of the greatest distance runners of all time—and a woman whose journey began in barefoot poverty.

Mary Keitany didn’t wear her first pair of shoes until the age of 14. She ran her first senior race at a Shoe4Africa development event, finishing 21st—just one place short of winning a $100 prize, a life-changing amount at the time. But rather than walk away disappointed, Mary walked away motivated.

That race marked the last time Mary ever left the finish line without earning prize money. She went on to become a 3x London Marathon champion, 4x New York City Marathon champion, and the world record holder for the women’s marathon (women-only race).

Her school inspires rural girls to believe that obstacles are not endpoints—they are fuel.

“From position 21 to world #1, Mary’s story is a masterclass in resilience.”

🎓 Shoe4Africa All4Running Secondary School
Established 2020 – Kapchorua, Nandi County – see on google maps

The Shoe4Africa All4Running Secondary School, built in partnership with our friends at All4Running, opened its doors in 2020 in Kapchorua, Nandi County—a region renowned for producing world-class athletes.

What makes this school especially unique is that each classroom is named after a running legend, turning every school day into a walk through greatness. Students learn in rooms named after:

• Vincent Kipchumba – 2nd place, London Marathon (2020 & 2021)

• Benson Kipruto – Boston Marathon Champion (2021), Chicago Marathon Champion (2022), Olympic Bronze Medalist (2024)

• Amos Kipruto – London Marathon Champion (2022), Olympic Marathoner, World Championship Bronze Medalist (2019)

• Evans Chebet – Boston Marathon Winner (2022 & 2023), NYC Marathon Champion (2022)

• Rene Admiraal – Co-founder of All4Running and a key partner in this vision

These names are more than plaques—they’re daily motivation. Every time a student walks into a classroom, they’re stepping into the legacy of champions who grew up just like them. Many other professional runners have visited the school, including Briton’s Paula Radcliffe.

🏫 Shoe4Africa Classrooms at Kibugat Primary School
(Established 2013 – Kibugat, Nandi County)

In 2013, during a visit to Kibugat Primary School, we were confronted by a troubling reality. The classrooms—built from wood and set in a crumbling mud foundation—looked dangerously close to collapse. Inside, the walls leaned precariously, and the safety of students was clearly at risk, especially during the rainy season.

Without hesitation, Shoe4Africa committed to building two new permanent classrooms to replace the hazardous structures. Today, these bright, solid learning spaces offer a safe and dignified environment where students can focus on education—not survival.

“No child should have to fear a classroom wall falling on them. We made sure they never will again.”

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📘 Shoe4Africa Kuunga Mkono Classrooms
(Established 2018 – Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County)

Set directly behind the main Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital in Eldoret, the Kuunga Mkono Classrooms (Swahili for ‘joining hands’) serve a unique and vital purpose: providing education for long-term pediatric patients who would otherwise miss months—or even years—of school due to hospitalization.

Opened in 2018, these two blue-roofed buildings are more than classrooms—they’re bridges to normalcy, hope, and future opportunity. Stocked with 15,000+ books, thanks to a generous donation by Louis Brownstone, the Kuunga Mkono classrooms ensure that illness does not mean educational abandonment.

“Healing and learning can—and should—go hand in hand.”

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👣 Trailblazers 

We’ve lost count of all the incredible students who have passed through our schools and gone on to achieve great things—but we’ll never forget the first ten university graduates from our inaugural school in Kimn’geru. These young men and women were the first in their community to graduate university—opening the door for many others to follow.

Here are their names, their degrees, and their dreams:

• Boniface Kipkosgei – Aerospace Engineering (2013)

• Bismas Kipkirui – Computer Science (2014)

• Hillary Kibet – Computer Science (2014)

• Caroline Maritim – Teaching (2013) (now teaching at the very school she graduated from!)

• Abraham Kipchirchir – Teaching (2016)

• Ronald Kibitok – Teaching (2016)

• Ezekiel Kiptoo – Counseling Psychology (2015)

• Maximilla Jeruto – Nursing (2014)

• Delphine Jelagat – Teaching (2015)

• Cheruiyot Daniel – Teaching (2014)

• Jerono Naum – Nursing (2015)

“They were the first—but they won’t be the last. Their footsteps are now a path.”

These students didn’t just graduate—they blazed trails in villages where, not long ago, attending university seemed like a faraway dream. Today, many more have followed, thanks to the simple yet powerful combination of access, belief, and opportunity.

📚 Shoe4Africa: Building Public Education with Purpose

At Shoe4Africa, we believe education should never be a privilege—it should be a public right. That’s why every school we build is free-to-attend and donated to the Kenyan government, ensuring long-term sustainability and access for all children, not just those who can afford it.

In Kenya, it’s rare to find organizations like Shoe4Africa that construct, donate, and support public (not private for profit) education.

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🎥 Highly recommended:
Watch this moving 48-minute documentary following a group of Kenyan children on their journey to school.
(Insert link here) Click here to watch on YouTube.

Shoe4Africa’s Child protection policies

Shoe4Africa’s Child protection policies for equality, non-discrimination, and safety and comfort for each child falls under the guidelines imposed upon all public schools by the Kenyan Government.  Shoe4Africa schools (public) look only to enhance and enforce the policies of the government.  All Shoe4Africa staff are both briefed then trained on identifying the early signs in the playground, and in the classrooms.  Upon Staff etiquette and behavior. Recognizing dangers and child security, reporting and documentation.  All pupils are given a non-staff helpline call number should there be any suspicion of in-house wrong doings, and there is a procedure plan for in place for a child registering any concerns.  During each new term teachers are briefed upon the CPP and updated with all school activities.

Child Services

Kids, parents, guardians, teachers are all encouraged to read the rights of a child and to fully understand what constitutes abuse under Kenyan Law.  The principal of each Shoe4Africa school will have, in their office, a copy of the latest year’s Child’s rights booklet.

Our teachers act with sensitively and are professionally trained.

Listen, be calm, and react by protocol.  Reassure the child that a solution will be found.  Inform the child that all information’s will be discreetly handled though not to promise to keep anything a secret, or that information will be hidden, especially from a parent/authority.  Stress that step one is talking openly, and this is not a ‘police interview’.  Staff never give an opinion, but rather are a sounding board.  All information is documented and must to reported to child services within 24-hours.  If the teacher believes the child to be in danger immediate action must be taken with child services.  Sign, date and document, and inform the school’s head within the close of the school day.

Resources for American Kids to learn about Kenyan kids: LINK and LINK