The Shoe That Chose Africa: How Toby Tanser Is Transforming Children’s Healthcare in Kenya

By Sila Koskei Terigin 

 In the heart of Eldoret, the City of Champions, a quiet but profound healthcare revolution has been unfolding—one driven by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the dignity of every child. At the center of this transformation is Toby Tanser, founder of Shoe4Africa, whose vision has reshaped pediatric healthcare not only in Kenya but across the continent.

Toby Tanser’s journey to Kenya and his role in establishing a world-class children’s healthcare facility within Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is a story rooted in purpose. The Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital, now regarded as one of the finest pediatric care centers in Africa, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when humanity meets action.

The inspiration behind this mission began decades earlier. At just 11 years old, Tanser suffered an arm injury and was admitted to a children’s hospital overseas. Though raised in a strict household without electronics, he vividly remembers the calm, well-equipped ward—complete with a television, play areas, and an environment designed to comfort young patients. It was there, lying in a hospital bed, that he made a quiet promise to himself: one day, he would create such spaces for other children.

Beyond his passion for healthcare, Tanser was also an accomplished long-distance runner. A gifted 5,000-metre athlete, he once competed alongside legendary Kenyan runner Moses Tanui. It was during his athletic journey in Africa that Shoe4Africa was born—not in triumph, but in survival.

While in Africa, Tanser was attacked by thugs attempting to steal his running shoes. One shoe was taken; with the other, he instinctively defended himself against a machete-wielding attacker. The encounter left a lasting impression. From that moment, the shoe became more than a sporting item—it became a symbol of protection, hope, and life itself. This powerful symbolism inspired the creation of Shoe4Africa, an organization dedicated to using simple means to unlock opportunity and healthcare for African children.

Today, that vision has materialized in concrete and care. The Shoe4Africa Children’s Hospital at MTRH offers dignified, high-quality pediatric services where children are treated not merely as patients, but as futures worth safeguarding.

And the impact continues to grow. Adjacent to the existing hospital, construction is underway on a dedicated children’s burns unit and a state-of-the-art pediatric cancer center. The cancer facility, with a planned capacity of 152 beds, is set to become the largest of its kind in Africa when it opens next year. It will provide comprehensive, lifesaving treatment for children battling some of the most complex and devastating diseases.

“The reason behind this expansion is simple,” Tanser explains. “We must protect our children from early deaths by ensuring they receive the very best care possible.”

To many, Toby Tanser may appear unassuming. Yet behind the humility lies an extraordinary commitment to service, sacrifice, and hope. His work has helped position Eldoret as a regional medical hub, rewriting the narrative of children’s healthcare in Africa.

As the City of Champions continues to grow, so too does Tanser’s legacy—one that touches lives, restores hope, and proves that sometimes, a single shoe can indeed change a continent.