Claire’s vision for a better food future in Kenya

A woman in a yellow shirt holds a package of baby weaning flour in a shop with shelves of food products in the background.

In western Kenya, young people face growing challenges. Food insecurity is rising, the climate is becoming less predictable, and good jobs are in short supply. We’re tackling these problems head-on by supporting young agripreneurs to build sustainable businesses, helping create new opportunities in farming and food production.

Claire Onzee is one of the people leading the way, with the support of people like you.

It hasn’t been an easy journey. Unpredictable weather and declining soil fertility have made it harder for smallholders to grow enough food. “Climate change has taken its course,” Claire says. “It’s negatively affecting farmers directly.”

“I’m a people-oriented person,” Claire says. “I like working with the community and giving back. So, this project was started as a way of just giving back. Then I decided to commercialise it.”

Claire runs a food processing business in Kakamega County, sourcing soyabeans, peanuts, and sweet potatoes from local farmers. She turns them into nutritious, affordable products like sugar-free instant soya milk, protein-rich peanut butter, and flours developed for babies and breastfeeding mothers. These specialist foods help fill a vital gap in local diets, making it easier for families to access the nutrients they need during the most important stages of life.

Four plastic jars of Zen Haven Soya Instant Beverage with yellow lids are lined up on a shelf, with the front jar in clear focus.

Her business supports better nutrition in the region and provides a steady market for local farmers. But her role doesn’t end there.

With our support, Claire has taken part in ongoing business development training and now supports others as a community mentor. She mentors 20 local young people, helping them build confidence, improve their products, and grow their own agricultural businesses.

“I engage with them and help them understand the economic part of the business,” she explains. Many of Claire’s mentees are already seeing their efforts start to pay off.

Her own business is also thriving. She now employs five staff members and recently took part in the Kakamega International Investment Conference, where she presented her products to the president of Kenya! It was a proud and unforgettable moment. She’s full of ideas and energy, and excited about what comes next.

“I’m seeing myself expanding the company,” she says. “Having a fully-fledged factory, absorbing smallholder farmers, engaging in contracts with them. Generally transforming the lives of the community.”

Claire’s vision is bold, and it’s made possible by the backing of people who believe in change. People like you. Your support helps provide the training, tools, and opportunities that young agripreneurs like Claire need to thrive. We’re helping more people access nutritious food, earn a decent living, and build resilience in the face of the climate crisis. Together, we’re building a better food future.

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