“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5:13-14
In the heart of Meru County, a revolutionary movement is unfolding—a community empowered by faith and united by purpose. The Igati Community is not just a concept; it’s a divine mission, born from the Gospel teachings of Christ and driven by the collective desire to fight poverty, create opportunity, and inspire innovation.
This is the story of the Igati Mission: a journey that began with small, faith-driven steps and is now transforming lives, spreading light, and creating a legacy for future generations.
The Birth of the Igati Mission
The seeds of the Igati Mission were sown in January 2024, when Alfred Gitonga, a seasoned entrepreneur with 23 years of experience, took a leap of faith. Reflecting on the fleeting nature of time and his desire to serve God, Alfred stepped out of his comfort zone to answer a divine calling: to build a community grounded in faith and innovation.
What began as evangelism in his hometown of Timau with a few close friends quickly evolved into a mission to ignite social entrepreneurship across Meru County. From climbing Mount Kenya for prayers and feasibility studies to engaging communities through field training, the Igati Mission grew steadily, touching lives and uncovering the potential for economic transformation.
Discovering the Potential
February 2022 marked the beginning of hands-on work with local communities. Alfred and his team, including Kelvin Mugwiria and Kelvin Muriungu, visited Sirimon, Kithithina, and surrounding areas to identify opportunities for social entrepreneurship. Through prayer, collaboration, and research, they discovered:
Dairy goat farming in Kithithina
Sunflower farming and beekeeping in Nkomo Ward
Herbs, spices, and horticulture clusters in Kiambogo
Potatoes and horticulture clusters in Ngusishi
These findings revealed a wealth of untapped potential, but they also highlighted the need for community education, collaboration, and faith to unlock these opportunities.
A Mission Blessed by Elders
In June 2023, the mission reached a pivotal moment. Seeking wisdom and blessings, Alfred and his team approached the Njuri Ncheke elders, the custodians of Meru traditions. The elders not only blessed the mission but endorsed its goal of eradicating poverty through social entrepreneurship.
This milestone fueled the expansion of the Igati Mission into Nkomo Ward, where every homestead and village was introduced to the vision of social entrepreneurship. Though the concept was met with initial resistance, perseverance and divine guidance led to the creation of six proposed agricultural clusters, eventually refined into a single, unifying initiative: The One Million Bee Hive Project for Meru County.
The Power of Beekeeping
The One Million Bee Hive Project became the cornerstone of the Igati Mission. Beekeeping was chosen not only for its economic potential but also as a symbolic representation of community, resilience, and sustainability.
Starting with a handful of locally made Langstroth hives, Alfred launched the initiative on his Timau farm. While the hives initially fell short of quality standards, they served as a learning experience, inspiring continuous improvement and innovation.
Today, the project is a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of faith-driven entrepreneurship to create jobs, promote environmental conservation, and uplift communities.
The Igati Community: A Light for the World
What sets the Igati Community apart is its foundation in faith. Inspired by Matthew 5:13-16, this movement strives to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining brightly for all to see.
Through hard work, collaboration, and unwavering faith, the community has achieved remarkable milestones:
Building a network of beekeepers across Meru County
Promoting sustainable farming practices
Inspiring a generation of social entrepreneurs
But the journey is far from over. The Igati Community continues to grow, overcoming challenges and expanding its impact.
Join the Movement
The Igati Mission is more than a project; it’s a divine calling to transform lives through faith and action. Whether you’re a farmer, entrepreneur, sponsor, or supporter, there’s a place for you in this movement.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Become a member of the Igati Community and help spread the vision of social entrepreneurship.
Support the One Million Bee Hive Project through sponsorship or partnerships.
Share our story to inspire others and amplify our impact.
Together, we can create a brighter future for Meru County and beyond, rooted in faith, innovation, and community.
Keep the Fire Burning
The Igati Community is proof that when faith meets action, anything is possible. As we move forward, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey.
Let us be the light. Let us be the salt. Let us build a legacy of faith and social entrepreneurship that will shine for generations to come.
Visit us at igatikenya.org for more updates, stories, and ways to get involved.
Written by:
Alfred Gitonga
Lead Missionary, Igati Mission & Patron, Igati Community
