County Profile: Busia County

County Profile

Busia County

As we work to distribute The Shoe That Grows in Kenya, we're focusing on a few counties at a time—partnering with organizations who are already at work in those communities. Busia County is one of the first areas where we're taking this approach, starting in 2025.

About Busia County

Located in western Kenya

Busia County is located in the western part of Kenya. The primary economic activities in the region are agriculture, fishing and trade. Bordering Uganda, the county has cross border trade and serves as a gateway to the East African Community with Malaba serving as a designated crossing point.

Facing multiple challenges

Poverty rates in Busia County are consistently high. In 2022 it was considered the poorest county in Kenya. Still today nearly half the population lives below the poverty line. Common problems found in Busia County include trafficking, violence, and sexual violence.

AVERAGE WALK TO SCHOOL

5km

SCHOOL KIDS IN BUSIA COUNTY

330,600+

KIDS WITHOUT PROPER FOOTWEAR

60–80^%

Why shoes?

Provide protection

Before receiving shoes, many of the kids came barefoot, and now at least they’re comfortable walking under the hot sun. They are very happy now—just look at them going home!

Teacher

Busia County

Fit multiple purposes

The shoe is a multi-purpose shoe. They can use it in school and go to church and attend events outside school. It has boosted their confidence because most of them don’t have any [shoes], and they have actually loved coming to school.

Teacher

Busia County

Boost self-esteem and attendance

It is encouraging because the learners come back to school to attend classes each and every day because they look good and they feel appreciated.

Teacher

Busia County

Help prevent jiggers

Before, most of them didn’t have shoes. But right now, all of them come with shoes to school and they don’t have jiggers. Many had jiggers before, and now we don’t see many jiggers.

Teacher

Busia County

Learn more or partner with us