Vibo Eats, food project transforms lives of Nairobi families
More than 200 families in Nairobi County have benefited from a food security and economic empowerment initiative spearheaded by Vibo Eats, in a programme aimed at tackling food scarcity, poverty and economic vulnerability among underprivileged communities.
The project, which targets low-income households and persons living with disabilities, seeks to go beyond short-term relief by creating sustainable livelihoods and long-term economic independence.
Speaking during the community outreach event, Vibo Eats Chief Executive Officer Joseph Kariuki said the initiative was designed to transform not only household incomes, but also the broader community economy.
“We want to change the economy and we don’t want people to continue suffering from food shortages. Our vision is to empower families so they can live dignified and sustainable lives,” said Mr Kariuki.
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Under the programme, beneficiary families will receive food supplies worth KSh50,000, while also being supported to start income-generating activities that can provide a stable source of livelihood. The initiative combines immediate food relief with long-term economic empowerment, a model that is more effective than short-term donations.
According to Kariuki, the project was structured to address the root causes of poverty by giving families the tools to become self-reliant rather than dependent on continuous aid.
“We are not interested in handouts that only solve problems for a few days. We want solutions that help families stand on their own, improve their livelihoods and sustain themselves for years to come,” he said.
The programme specifically prioritises underprivileged households and persons living with disabilities, groups that often face systemic barriers to employment, income opportunities and access to basic services. By integrating business support with food assistance, the project aims to break the cycle of poverty and vulnerability.
Community leaders who attended the event welcomed the initiative, noting that food insecurity remains a major challenge in many informal settlements and low-income neighbourhoods across Nairobi County. Rising living costs, unemployment and limited economic opportunities have left many families struggling to meet basic needs.
Implemented in partnership with the local area chief, the project adopts a community-based approach that ensures transparency, accountability and proper identification of beneficiaries. Local administrators play a key role in mapping vulnerable households and coordinating implementation to ensure the support reaches those most in need.
The collaboration between Vibo Eats and local leadership is also expected to strengthen community ownership of the project, making it more sustainable and impactful in the long term.
Mr Kariuki noted that empowering communities economically also contributes to social stability and resilience, particularly in urban areas where poverty often fuels crime, social unrest and poor health outcomes.
“When families are empowered economically, children stay in school, households become stable and communities grow stronger. That is the transformation we are working towards,” he said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, describing the project as a lifeline that offers hope and opportunity rather than dependency. For many families, the combination of food support and business startup assistance represents a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The initiative forms part of Vibo Eats’ broader corporate social responsibility agenda, which focuses on food security, community development and economic empowerment. The organisation says it plans to expand the programme to reach more communities, depending on partnerships and resource mobilisation.
As Kenya continues to grapple with rising food prices and economic pressures on vulnerable households, initiatives that integrate relief with empowerment are increasingly seen as critical to building resilient communities.
With its focus on sustainability, dignity and self-reliance, the Vibo Eats food project offers a model that goes beyond charity—seeking instead to create lasting economic change at the household and community level.
