In this episode, we dive into a topic that’s close to our hearts—the incredible mental health benefits of community service. We explore how lending a helping hand not only makes a difference in the lives of others but can also do wonders for your own well-being. So, buckle up for a journey into the world of compassion, connection, and the positive impact community service can have on your mental health. Our guest is Njoki Kariuki who is not only a successful serial entrepreneur but also has a wealth of experience in community service. Njoki started her career in the hospitality industry, working for Lonrho Hotels Kenya, Alliance Hotels & Resorts Kenya, Walt Disney World Resort and The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta USA. She later worked for the Mayor’s Office of International Relations in Atlanta, USA. Moving back to Kenya, she founded Tukio Africa Conference and Event Services. Her clients included Microsoft East and Southern Africa, East African Breweries Limited, Brookside Dairy and Martin Luther King III. She later took a drastic turn in her career, shifting to Social Enterprise. She founded Karjee Industries, a company that manufactured low-cost sanitary pads, until 2019. As a result of manufacturing sanitary pads, she received numerous requests to donate them to various organizations. She then founded Zuri Dada Sanitary Pad Bank in Kibera where schoolgirls have access to free sanitary pads and mentorship. As a SME manufacturer, in 2018, Njoki was invited by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to be part of a high-level panel, to speak on Transforming African Economies Through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the African Trade Forum in Lagos, Nigeria. Since then, she has participated on various panels and moderated sessions within Africa on AfCFTA with UNECA as well as creating capacity building for women and youth in SME. In 2020, Njoki got involved in the community in Kibera when the county went into lockdown. With friends and partners, they responded to the need of sanitizers, face masks and food. The food distribution grew bigger and they were able to distribute in Mathare, Korogosho, Kamwangware and Kangemi. Njoki mentors girls from Kibera, Mathare and Mitihato, Kiambu. She is a recipient of the Presidential Order of Service, Uzalendo Award, from President Uhuru Kenyatta in recognition of her exemplary service during Covid -19 pandemic. She is a recipient of the Phoenix Award from Mayor Bill Campbell, for her significant contribution to the City of Atlanta. Njoki is a member of the Kenya Advisory Board, Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) a NGO changing lives in informal settlements. She is the Chairperson, of Greencard Mtaani Organization, a community-based organization (CBO) that nurtures, educates, protects, and empowers children through sport in Kibera. She is also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Lavington, Nairobi. A member of the All African Association of SME’s (AAASME) and founder of Njoki Kariuki Foundation. Njoki also grows black Tea in central Kenya. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality and Business Management from Morris Brown College, USA. She is a mother of three daughters and resides in Nairobi, Kenya.
