Kenyan music icon and philanthropist Akothee has teamed up with Gareth Kelly, a Welsh lawyer and director at Gittins McDonald Solicitors in Wrexham, to build a modern medical centre in Migori County.
The celebrated Afrobeat singer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Akothee Foundation has for years, stood out not only for her chart-topping hits and dynamic stage presence but also for her tireless humanitarian work. Through her Foundation, she has championed education, health, and dignity for vulnerable communities, especially children, single mothers, and families affected by poverty and disease.
“My main focus has always been ensuring every child has access to education and every vulnerable person can meet their basic needs,” Akothee shared. “Now, I want to make sure people in Migori can access quality healthcare too.”
Her foundation has previously built a 100-pupil village school, established a feeding programme for 300 families living with HIV/AIDS in Turkana, and continues to fund educational opportunities for children from low-income backgrounds. Notably, 60% of her performance fees go directly to her foundation’s projects, a testament to her personal commitment to social impact.
A Shared Vision for Health and Dignity
The collaboration with Gareth Kelly grew out of their shared involvement in the Pendine Academy — a North Wales-backed project building a 150-pupil school in Kenya. Inspired by Akothee’s hands-on leadership and dedication, Gareth invited her to join the initiative.
Now, their partnership has evolved into a more ambitious mission , constructing a modern medical centre in Migori County. The facility will provide specialized care, including diabetes dialysis and CT scanning services, while also serving as a research hub for non-communicable diseases.
“Healthcare access is one of the biggest challenges for rural communities,” Akothee said. “This medical centre will be a safe space for our elderly, children, and families — a place where dignity meets care.”
Akothee’s involvement has also helped strengthen cultural and charitable ties between North Wales and Kenya. Her growing influence in international philanthropy has made her a bridge between continents, opening doors for cross-border investment and community partnerships.
Gareth Kelly praised her leadership:“Esther is not just a superstar , she’s an established philanthropist who connects benefactors from Wales to communities in Kenya. Without her, this bridge wouldn’t exist.”
The project has already secured support from Wrexham-based benefactors, with plans for construction now in the early stages.
Beyond Music: Building Legacies
Beyond her philanthropic ventures, Akothee continues to invest in Kenya’s development and tourism sectors. As a marketing consultant in Homa Bay County, she is championing sustainable tourism through the Camp Nyapity Eco-Lodge Complex, an initiative aimed at promoting eco-conscious travel and local employment.
“I want the Welsh and the world to have something they can identify with in Kenya, something meaningful that changes lives,” she said. “This is more than charity; it’s about building legacies of hope and humanity.”
Akothee’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim is a story of resilience, vision, and purpose. Whether through her foundation, her music, or her partnerships, she continues to redefine what it means to use fame for good , proving that true leadership is measured by how deeply one uplifts others.
