American YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, popularly known as MrBeast, has helped fund medical surgeries for 1,000 Kenyans, giving new hope to patients who had lived for years with treatable health conditions but could not afford care.
The surgeries were featured in a YouTube video released this week and involved patients suffering from conditions such as hernias, thyroid disorders and eye problems. Many of the beneficiaries come from areas where access to specialised healthcare remains a challenge.
According to MrBeast, some patients were picked up from remote villages located hundreds of kilometres from hospitals, with ambulances arranged to bring them in for treatment.
“Some of these patients live near no hospitals at all. If we hadn’t sent ambulances to get them, they would probably never receive help for the rest of their lives,” he said in the video.
The project covered patients from Narok, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Nairobi, among other counties. The surgeries were carried out by volunteer medical teams working alongside MrBeast’s crew.
Several patients shared emotional stories of how lack of money had delayed their treatment and affected their livelihoods.
“For three years, I could not afford treatment,” one patient said. “I travelled a long distance and came alone, but I feel happy because these people have taken care of me.”
Another beneficiary, a driver from Nairobi, said poor eyesight had made his work difficult before the surgery.
“Driving in Nairobi is hectic. After the eye surgery, driving is now easier than before,” he said.
Medical workers featured in the video pointed to limited healthcare infrastructure and shortages of equipment as major reasons why many patients delay seeking treatment.
“If this video had not happened, many of these patients would not have come to the hospital at all,” one healthcare worker said.
Beyond surgeries, the project also delivered medical equipment and essential drugs to hospitals involved in the programme, easing pressure on facilities serving large rural populations.
“Receiving equipment that we truly need is one of the best things that has happened to this hospital this year,” another medical worker said. “The community is excited because these supplies will benefit many people.”
This is not MrBeast’s first philanthropic project in Kenya. Last year, he funded the drilling of 52 boreholes to provide clean water to schools across the country.
Other initiatives he has supported include building bridges, installing water tanks, upgrading classrooms with desks, and donating bicycles to schools, particularly in counties such as Meru and Narok.