Uhuru Kenyatta donates KSh 1 million to Betty Bayo’s family, pledges full education for her children via Kenyatta Trust

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has stepped in to assist the family of late gospel singer Betty Bayo, donating KSh 1 million to help with funeral arrangements and instructing that the Kenyatta Trust (Kenyatta Foundation) takes responsibility for the full education of her children.

The gesture — announced by Uhuru’s office and picked up by local outlets — comes amid an outpouring of public sympathy following the sudden death of the well-known gospel artist. According to reports, the contribution is meant to help meet immediate burial costs while the Kenyatta Trust will work with the family to enrol and sponsor Betty Bayo’s children through their schooling.

A timely intervention

Family members and well-wishers in recent days had appealed for support as arrangements for the late singer’s interment were being finalised. In a message conveyed via Uhuru’s aides, the former president expressed condolences to the bereaved family and described education as a lasting legacy — “the best gift” that can be given to children left behind.

Sources close to the family said the financial support will be channelled to the immediate needs of the burial, and that the Kenyatta Trust will liaise with guardians to ensure the twins/children (reports vary on the exact number of dependents) are registered for full sponsorship. Local media noted that requests for assistance to the family had been mounting on social platforms, and Uhuru’s intervention was welcomed as a meaningful response.

What the Kenyatta Trust will do

The Kenyatta Trust (also referred to in reporting as the Kenyatta Foundation or Kenyatta Trust Fund) is reported to have been asked to take on the children’s education. While the Trust’s specific plans — such as the levels of education to be covered (primary, secondary, tertiary), school placements or an allowance for upkeep — were not detailed in the initial public notices, administration sources said the foundation will consult closely with the family to determine the best course of action. Further practical arrangements are expected to be announced once the Trust completes its assessments.

Reactions from the public and clergy

News of the donation and the pledge of education support was met with gratitude from fans, church leaders and netizens. Several clergy and gospel music colleagues paid tribute to Betty Bayo’s work in the church and the music scene, while urging that the singer’s children be treated with care and privacy as they transition through this difficult period.

At the same time, some social media posts raised questions about long-term welfare and guardianship arrangements; commentators urged that any sponsorship plan include transparent lines of responsibility to avoid later disputes. Observers also welcomed Uhuru’s move as setting a positive example for high-profile leaders to assist vulnerable families in times of loss.

A note on sources and what’s next

This report draws on on-the-ground coverage and statements published by reputable Kenyan news outlets and local reporting aggregators. At the time of writing, a formal press statement from the Kenyatta Trust with full details of the sponsorship plan had not been published; Sasa News will update this story as the Trust or the family releases more information.

For now, the confirmed elements are:

A donation of KSh 1,000,000 was made to assist with Betty Bayo’s burial and immediate family needs.

The Kenyatta Trust has been requested to sponsor the late singer’s children’s education; the scope and duration of that sponsorship are to be clarified.

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