Coca-Cola Reacts to Kenyans’ Call to Make 4-Year-Old Girl its Brand Ambassador

Coca-Cola Company has responded to calls by Kenyans online to make a four-year-old Baringo girl whose photos went viral, their brand ambassador.

The girl, Joy Jebiwot, became an internet sensation after pictures of her enjoying a Coke drink were shared on social media over the weekend.

Online users urged Coca-Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, to make the minor one of its brand ambassadors in Africa. In a statement, Coca-Cola described the girl’s viral photos as “pure happiness”, especially at a time when the world is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This is pure happiness. You’ve made us smile by capturing and sharing this beautiful image, especially when things are so sad in the world right now,” the company said.

The company regretted it cannot offer the girl any deal as it has a policy that prohibits the featuring of children under the age of 12 in its advertisements and marketing worldwide.

“As a company we have made a decision not to use children under the age of 12 in our adverts and marketing worldwide, but we do love seeing your creativity and passion for our brand so continue sharing your amazing talents with us,” said Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola responsible marketing policy states: “Specifically, we will not use, in any communications created after the date of adoption of this policy: Celebrities or characters whose primary appeal is to children under 12, with the exception of brand equity characters already in use…Licensed merchandise whose primary appeal is to children under 12. Images of our products being consumed by children under 12 without an adult present. We will not feature any children who are, or appear to be, under 3.” 

The photos were taken at the home of Joy’s grandmother in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, where she had been taken to learn Kalenjin tradition. Joy is a kindergarten pupil at Dreams Hill Academy in Mogotio and wants to become a pilot when she grows up.