As I sit to write this blog, I reflect on the incredible journey that has brought me here—a journey shaped by hard work, discipline, and a deep faith in God. My name is Alfred Gitonga Ndumba, and I was born on April 23rd, 1978, in Meru County, Kenya. My early life was marked by circumstances beyond my control, but each experience played a role in forming the man I am today—an individual committed to transforming communities through social entrepreneurship.
Early Life: Lessons of Hard Work and Discipline
Raised in my grandfather’s homestead, I grew up in a humble household where my father was a primary school teacher, and my stepmother was a housewife and small-time market trader at the famous Gakoromone Market in Meru. From a young age, I learned the small but vital rules of survival on this earth: hard work, discipline, obedience to adults, and, most importantly, the fear of God.
I was introduced to the Kirunga EAPC Church at an early age, where I started attending Sunday school. This marked a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey, leading to my baptism and a name change from Frederick Gitonga to Alfred Gitonga. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a life driven by faith and service to others.
Education and Entrepreneurial Roots
I began my education at Mwirine Primary School, but it was far from smooth sailing. Growing up in modest circumstances, I often went to school without shoes. Though I was a bright student, I was known to be somewhat of a “dirty boy,” not because of laziness, but because I was notorious for sneaking out of school on market days to trade at the nearby Gakoromone Market. This was my first real taste of entrepreneurship. While my family thought I was just being mischievous, I was quietly developing business acumen that would later become invaluable.
Despite these early distractions, I managed to excel in school. After completing my primary education, I attended Kibirichia Boys Secondary School, where I faced challenges that further pulled me towards entrepreneurship. The desire to create and innovate was stronger than my interest in formal education. In Form Two, I transferred to Ngenia Secondary School in Laikipia East as a day scholar. This change provided me with the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurial ventures in the evenings after school at the local Kwa Makara Shopping Centre.
It was during my time at Ngenia that my passion for science, agriculture, and innovation began to blossom. I participated in national school science congress exhibitions and Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) shows in Nanyuki and Nairobi. These experiences sparked a desire in me to not just pursue entrepreneurship but to innovate and find creative solutions to real-world problems.
A Budding Leader and Innovator
At Ngenia, I began to take on leadership roles. I served as class prefect, school captain, and handball team captain, scooping almost all the school prizes during award ceremonies. Whether it was academics, sports, or leadership, I thrived, driven by a passion for excellence and innovation. My childhood seemed to pass by quickly, but each experience was a stepping stone to where I stand today.
By the time I completed high school, I had earned a Grade B in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), which secured me an entry to university. But more importantly, it marked the beginning of my journey into social entrepreneurship—a journey grounded in my desire to serve humanity and create socioeconomic transformation, starting with my home in Meru County.
The Birth of Igati Mission
Today, I am the founder of Igati Mission, a community grounded in the principles of creativity, innovation, and hard work. The name “Igati,” meaning salt in Kimeru, is inspired by Matthew 5:13-19, where Jesus calls us to be the salt and light of the earth. Just as salt preserves and enhances, the Igati Mission is dedicated to preserving the dignity of communities and enhancing their socioeconomic prospects through creative, innovative solutions.
My mission as a social entrepreneur is to empower communities to rise above poverty, create sustainable livelihoods, and leave a lasting impact for future generations. Social entrepreneurship is not an easy path, but it is a necessary one. It requires understanding the mission, communicating the vision, and working hand-in-hand with the community to build a future that benefits everyone.
One of our key projects, the Igati Mission One Million Bee Hives Project, is a prime example of how creativity and community collaboration can lead to sustainable development. By focusing on beekeeping as a source of income, we are empowering small farmers and creating a blueprint for rural industrial growth in Meru County and beyond.
A Call to Action
As I look back on my journey, from a young boy trading in the market to the founder of a movement for social transformation, I realize that this is just the beginning. I invite you—whether you are a community member, a potential donor, a government official, or a partner—to join us in this mission. Together, we can transform communities, create sustainable livelihoods, and build a brighter future for Kenya.
Stay tuned for our next blog, where I will share more stories of the Igati Mission and the journey ahead.
Follow Us for More Updates
If my story has inspired you, I encourage you to follow the Igati Mission and stay updated on our latest projects and initiatives. Together, we can make a lasting impact in Meru County and across Kenya.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Stay blessed, and let’s continue to be the salt and light of the earth.
