What began as a research project nearly a decade ago has now blossomed into a transformative movement of hope. In 2015, while conducting a study with Flinders University, Emily Tanui traveled to Kenya to examine how children with cerebral palsy are managed in developing countries compared to rural Australia. Her time in Machakos revealed heart-wrenching realities — children with disabilities living in deep poverty, mothers abandoned by their partners, and families burdened by the stigma that disability was tied to witchcraft.
Moved by what she saw, Emily made a promise — not just to the mothers she met, but to herself. Together with her husband Bernard Tanui, she founded the BET Foundation, a grassroots initiative that began by providing medicine, diapers, and food to children with disabilities. Since then, the Foundation has supported over 243 mothers every month and hosted annual Christmas celebrations that bring smiles and solidarity to hundreds of families. Through a table banking initiative, the Foundation has also empowered mothers to achieve financial independence and strengthen community resilience.
In 2017, Emily made a bold pledge to build a Respite Centre — a safe and nurturing haven for children with disabilities and their caregivers. That dream took a major leap forward in July this year when a generous family in Eldoret donated prime land for the project, offering the Foundation a physical space to bring their vision to life.
On October 17, 2025, a historic fundraiser and book launch held in Adelaide, South Australia — attended by the Kenyan Ambassador and members of the Kenyan-Australian community — raised a remarkable $40,000. The event marked the first seed toward constructing the Respite Centre, symbolizing unity, compassion, and the power of diaspora-driven change.
While more funds are needed to complete the project, the success of this event demonstrates what’s possible when hearts and hands come together. “Every donation, every gesture of support, brings us closer to a world where no child with a disability is left behind,” said Bernard Tanui.
The BET Foundation invites all Kenyans in Australia and well-wishers around the world to join this cause. Contributions can be made via www.betfoundation.org to help turn this vision into reality.
Together, we can build not just a centre — but a future filled with dignity, inclusion, and hope.
