At 26, many young Kenyans are still navigating the challenges of unemployment or figuring out their place in life. Joseph Nguthiru, however, is leagues ahead, leading a multimillion-dollar enterprise that is not only creating jobs but is also addressing a pressing environmental challenge.
Joseph is the founder of HyaPak, a company turning water hyacinth — an aquatic weed choking Kenya’s lakes — into biodegradable seedling bags.
This transformative idea, born from his undergraduate project during his water engineering degree at Egerton University, has blossomed into a business now valued at $2.5 million (Sh324 million). With one round of venture capital secured and another in the pipeline, the company’s growth trajectory is as ambitious as its founder.
“The biggest thing I’ve been able to do is to take an invasive weed and use it to solve plastic pollution, and what happens because of this is that there is a whole ripple effect of the socio-economic benefits that you’re able to exert to these communities,” he explains.
"Every youth has what it takes to change their community and solve problems."
HyaPak is one of the three companies he runs, all addressing environmental challenges. Yet, it is the one closest to his heart. Whether in Nairobi’s South C at HyaPak’s facility or travelling between Konza, Mauritius, or South Africa for his other ventures, Joseph’s days are packed with purpose.
His achievements are impressive: direct mentorship from former US President Barack Obama through the Obama Foundation, meeting King Charles III, and many accolades for his groundbreaking work. But to Joseph, success is about more than accolades, it is about impact.
“That’s the call that we have to do as people who have been placed at a place of privilege, because we’re able to give back to society in terms of what we can do to make their lives better,” he avers.
An alumnus of Alliance High School, he credits his success to discipline, a strong support system, and the values instilled through his devout Christian upbringing. His professional network has also played a pivotal role, enabling his companies to supply major institutions such as the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Defence Forces, and One Acre Fund.
Looking ahead, the innovator sees his ventures scaling even greater heights, crossing the much-coveted unicorn stature, or a value of more than $1 billion. “If HyaPak doesn’t get there, M-Situ will, or another one of my companies, maybe some of which I’m yet to start.”
To him, every youth has what it takes to change their community and solve problems.
For him, it is not just about personal success; it is a call to action for young people. “It is more of a clarion call for young people to be more outgoing and a bit more proactive in different sectors,” he asserts.
His journey is a testament to the power of vision, and a proof that it is never too early to start solving real-world problems. At 26, he is already shaping Kenya’s future, and only getting started.