In 2012, we took our first steps in Kenya, driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn with confidence and dignity. That year, we provided uniforms to  833 children. Today, we are celebrating reaching 100,000 uniforms in Kenya, a symbol of brighter futures where children can learn fully and free from barriers of inequality.

From rural schools to urban settlements, the goal has always been the same –  to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfill their potential and a uniform should never stand in the way.

More than one thousand tailors and support staff have also built livelihoods through this work. For many, making school uniforms has grown into a reliable source of economic opportunity, strengthening small businesses, creating stability, and driving progress within their communities. What began as a project to serve students has also become a way for local enterprises to grow, for families to gain resilience, and for communities to move forward with confidence.

Parents and communities have also played their part. In the schools we serve, parents contribute a small amount that goes directly towards school development. Through this, hundreds of Parent Contribution Fund projects have been launched, bringing clean water through new water tanks, improving sanitation, adding textbooks and storybooks, and upgrading school facilities. These improvements have strengthened schools so children feel like they belong and have the chance to succeed.

What makes this milestone come alive are the voices of those who have experienced it:

Purity, an alumna of Daraja Academy, vividly remembers her first day receiving a full uniform: “I felt smart,” she recalls. “That uniform reflected my goals and dreams and what I wanted to achieve in life.”

Hope shared, “Thank you for the uniform, it makes me comfortable and happy. It encourages me in my performance and exams.”

For Miriam, the uniform represented belonging: “It will help me have confidence before my fellow students. When I have confidence, I am free with others and my teachers.”

The Head Teacher at Mutonyora Primary spoke of the change across an entire school: “The learners are visibly excited. Having all students in the same school uniform has brightened the entire school. With a stronger sense of belonging, learners are more eager to attend classes, and absenteeism has dropped significantly.”

Each of these stories reflects the outcome of your generosity. Your support has given students dignity, it has given tailors meaningful livelihoods, and provided schools the chance to grow stronger.

We are grateful to our partners in Kenya who have walked this journey with us, helping multiply the impact for students in low resourced communities. This milestone belongs to all of them. Together, we have provided more than 100,000 uniforms in Kenya, and we know this is just the beginning. We look forward with excitement to what we will achieve together in the years ahead.