American YouTuber MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has once again made headlines with his latest philanthropic endeavor, a video in which he claims to have built 100 wells across various African countries.
While Donaldson’s efforts to provide clean drinking water and aid to local communities have been widely applauded, his actions have also ignited a complex response in Kenya, with some activists and journalists shedding light on the failures of the Kenyan government.
In his 10-minute video, MrBeast proudly shares his mission of constructing 100 wells across Africa.
These wells are set to provide clean drinking water to an estimated 500,000 people in Cameroon, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The accompanying fundraiser, designed to support local water aid organizations, had already raised over $300,000 by Monday morning.
Donaldson’s video goes beyond good construction. It showcases his dedication to making a difference by donating supplies to Kenyan schools, including new furniture, soccer balls, computers, whiteboards, and projectors.
He also demonstrates his commitment to infrastructure development by building a bridge that connects a village with local schools and a hospital. Additionally, Donaldson donated bikes to a town in Zimbabwe, facilitating improved access to education for children.
Despite MrBeast’s positive intentions and ability to effect change on a massive scale, his video prompted a complex reaction in Kenya. Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi took to social media to highlight the shortcomings of the Kenyan government, describing the country as “shameful” and “a begging nation governed by millionaires.”
Freelance journalist Ferdinand Omondi commended Donaldson’s efforts but also voiced embarrassment over the fact that a YouTuber had to step in to perform tasks that should have been completed by the government long ago.
CNN contacted a Kenyan government spokesperson for comment but had yet to receive a response at the time of publication.
Read Next: The World’s Richest Youngsters: Top 5 Wealthiest Children You Never Expect
MrBeast Anticipates Backlash
While much of the discussion revolved around the video’s critique of the Kenyan government, MrBeast anticipated backlash from some quarters. He took to social media to express his readiness for the criticism, stating, “I know I’m gonna get canceled because I uploaded a video helping people, and to be 100% clear, I don’t care.”
Jimmy Donaldson, the most popular individual creator on YouTube with over 200 million subscribers, has built a reputation for his philanthropic initiatives.
His previous endeavors include sponsoring cataract surgery for 1,000 blind people and providing prosthetic limbs to 2,000 amputees.
These efforts have not only transformed the lives of countless individuals but have also contributed to the growth of his business empire, which is potentially worth over $1 billion.
His philanthropic work has earned him recognition as one of the most influential people in 2023, as named by Time magazine. While Donaldson has faced criticisms in the past, accusing him of exploiting vulnerable individuals for views and revenue, he remains steadfast in using his channel to inspire positive change and encourage his audience to do the same.
Read Next: Japanese Man’s $16K ‘Dog’ Transformation: A Struggle for Canine Companionship
