In the heart of Chuka town in Tharaka Nithi county, a remarkable venture is running, setting the stage for nourishment and change. At its epicenter stands Jufra Food Processors, a limited company that started operations in 2013 and has not only redefined the traditional grain processing landscape but has also embarked on a transformative mission to combat food insecurity, chronic malnutrition, and the persistent grasp of poverty. The enterprise is involved in tiot, mainly for traditional grains such as maize, sorghum, millet, and grain amaranth. It currently produces high-quality porridge/ maize flour and wet-mill products.
Julius Mugambi and Frashiah Wangeci, two passionate minds united by their dedication to agribusiness, embarked on a journey destined to sculpt the fate of their community and beyond. Their motivation was further ignited by a 2018 study that exposed alarming truths about the nutritional well-being of counties in Kenya. Chronic malnutrition had cast a menacing shadow over the most vulnerable – expectant mothers, children, and the elderly – rendering them susceptible to a range of ailments.
“We meticulously mill the grains of our arid lands,” Julius Mugambi, co-founder of Jufra Food Processors, divulges. “Our mission extends beyond mere sustenance; it’s about cultivating well-being, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and nurturing a profound sense of optimism.” Their focus on traditional grains not only honors age-old nutritional wisdom but also infuses these grains with renewed vitality.
Their triumph is not confined to products alone; it is embedded in the very essence of their values. With unwavering dedication, the company has taken up the mantle of corporate social responsibility by introducing a mentorship program for the youth, a platform to empower the leaders of tomorrow. This evidently reflects the company’s eagerness to uplift the community.
A key partnership with KCIC’s Greenbiz Program in 2019 acted as a catalyst for their growth, amplifying their impact and linkages. “Through KCIC, our growth trajectory shifted beyond financial backing,” reflects Frashiah Wangeci, co-founder of Jufra Foods. “We’re indebted to the mentorship that has widened our horizons, presenting boundless avenues for growth and forging connections that amplify our impact and reach.”
Jufra Food Processors’ unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being resonates in every grain they process. They take immense pride in the fact that their products contain 100% natural ingredients. Their premium porridge flour and maize meal have seamlessly integrated into households, embodying a commitment to a vibrant, healthier future. The far-reaching impact of their labor manifest as farmers reap the rewards of a sustainable income, a significant stride toward dismantling the chains of poverty.
The company stands as a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and compassion. Their journey, from the heart of a community to the forefront of sustainable agribusiness and worthy competitor in the flour milling industry embodies a profound commitment to nurturing dreams and aspirations. With each grain milled, each youth empowered, and each household nourished, the company continues to sow the seeds of a future where health, prosperity, and empowerment flourish hand in hand. It is further contributing towards achieving community health and zero hunger by 2030 which is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
