Born and raised in the heart of Meru, Kenya, my journey has always been marked by faith, determination, and a deep calling to serve others. Looking back, I realize how God has been the guiding force in every step I’ve taken, providing dreams, vision, and the strength to face challenges head-on. My story begins in 1999, right after completing my Form Four education.
The Seed of Entrepreneurship
In the small town of Timau, just along the Nanyuki road at the Kwa Makara shopping centre, I started my first business venture—Snowline Food Market. At the time, I was selling groceries and cereals to the local community and those passing through on their way to North Eastern Kenya. Little did I know, this small kiosk would set the stage for a much larger journey—one that would require faith, creativity, and perseverance.
I put up a simple sign with the words “Years in Creativity and Innovation”—a phrase I didn’t fully understand at the time but now recognize as a prophetic declaration of my future. The business flourished quickly, and I began to hire local workers, mostly my neighbors, who became my first employees. This humble beginning planted the seed for something much bigger—something I didn’t yet see but knew was possible.
A Leap to New Heights
By the year 2000, I expanded my business to include a clothing and accessories shop at Kiiirua market, all while preparing to transition to university life. As I was admitted to the prestigious Moi University in Eldoret, I faced the challenge of balancing academics with the entrepreneurial spirit that had always burned within me.
As I settled into university life, I didn’t let the opportunity slip by. I found a way to combine my entrepreneurial journey with my studies. I started roasting groundnuts in my campus room—a simple business, but one that quickly took off. My fellow students soon knew me as the peanut wholesaler, and before long, I had a small operation running right from my dorm room. The venture brought in money, but more importantly, it ignited a deeper sense of purpose in me. I felt the call to lead, to be a light to others.
Leadership and God’s Hand
Inspired by a powerful high school experience when we were encouraged by the words of Hasan Omar to be bold and lead, I felt a call to serve my peers. I decided to run for the position of Assistant Secretary General of the Moi University Students Organization. I launched a door-to-door campaign, much like I had done when starting my first business, fueled by the desire to serve and lead.
As I reflected on my life up to this point, I could see the hand of God in every moment. From starting my first venture with a small capital in Meru, to roasting peanuts in my campus room, to seeking leadership opportunities—I knew that I was being equipped for something bigger. These experiences were not just about business; they were about growing in the character and wisdom that God would use to fulfill His purpose in my life.
A Mission Beyond Myself
As I journeyed through university, gaining leadership experience and entrepreneurial success, I began to feel a deeper calling—a call to serve not just my community but to ignite a movement that could bring change to the wider society. This vision birthed the Igati Community—a mission to empower local communities through social entrepreneurship, aimed at alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable development.
In 2024, I founded Igati Creative and Innovators NGO, anchored in social entrepreneurship and committed to turning Meru County into a hub for agricultural innovation. Through the Igati community, I have worked tirelessly to create opportunities for smallholder farmers, youth, and women by empowering them with skills, resources, and a platform to market their products.
The Salt and Light of the Earth
The calling of Igati is not just about economic empowerment—it’s about being the salt and light of the earth. It’s about being transformative leaders, bringing change through Christ, who has redeemed us to be a beacon of hope in a dark world. Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us of our duty as Christians to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining brightly for all to see.
Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, the Igati community aims to enhance the lives of those it touches—creating vibrant communities, driving sustainable development, and lifting people from poverty to prosperity. By 2025, we will see the fruits of our labor in the market shelves, from flour products made from millet, sorghum, and finger millet, to honey harvested from the Igati Community One Million Bee Hive Project.
The Road Ahead: Transformation and Faith
As I walk this journey of faith and entrepreneurship, I am continually reminded of God’s presence and purpose. The road has not been easy—there have been setbacks, disappointments, and challenges. But through it all, God has been faithful. Every setback has been a setup for a greater purpose, every challenge a lesson in perseverance.
I share this story not just to highlight my journey, but to encourage others to take bold steps in faith, to trust in the dreams that God places in their hearts, and to never give up, no matter how tough the road may seem. God is faithful, and His plans for us are greater than we can ever imagine.
The journey is far from over. As we move forward, I invite you to join us in this movement of transformation. The Igati community is more than just an initiative; it’s a call to action—a call to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to embrace social entrepreneurship as a tool for change, and to make a lasting impact in our communities.
Stay tuned for more stories of how God is working in and through us as we continue to build a community of transformation, empowering the people of Meru and beyond. Together, we can become the salt and light that changes the world for the glory of our Father in Heaven.
Yours in faith and mission,
Alfred Gitonga
Patron, Igati Community
Missionary of Social Entrepreneurship
