This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
From Missionary Friendships to a Niche Business ¶
Thomas Agutu's entrepreneurial journey began when he started Nappet Tours and Travel in 2004. He recognized the need for a tours company that specialized in mission travel, offering a unique experience for missionaries and volunteers.
Agutu's inspiration came from his pastor friends who would ask him to arrange affordable tours for volunteers and missionary pastors. He also received complaints from churches about the high prices of safaris and the lack of suitable tour experiences for mission tourists.
With a background in clearing and forwarding, Agutu was able to negotiate favorable rates with hotels and offer affordable transport for mission tourists. He also drew on his experience handling logistics to streamline the process of handling relief goods.
Partnership with Serve Ministries ¶
Agutu's company partnered with Serve Ministries from the USA, which was shipping relief food to Kenya. He suggested that the food could be sourced locally, empowering Kenyan small-scale farmers. The partnership led to the establishment of the Nyogaya foundation, which aims to empower widows and orphans in rural villages.
The foundation targets widows and orphans in areas such as Rarieda in Siaya County, where Agutu was born and bred. Instead of providing food, the foundation empowers them financially to cater for their families.
Empowering Widows and Orphans ¶
Agutu believes that empowering widows is crucial in changing the culture of rural villages. He notes that widows often suffer the most after the demise of their husbands, with their property and land being taken away. The Nyogaya foundation aims to equip and socio-economically empower widows to take care of orphans and show people that they are capable of managing households without a man.
Through the foundation, Agutu has been able to pump water from Lake Victoria to farms, provide water filters, and organize free medical camps. The proceeds from these activities have enabled the widows and orphans to access education, food, shelter, and economic security.
Challenges in Mission Tours and Travel ¶
Agutu faces challenges in dealing with the emotions of missionaries, who often experience frustration and depression when they encounter the harsh conditions in rural villages. To manage this, his company has a devotion every morning, where they share the word and prepare the missionaries for what they will encounter.
Agutu also advises missionaries to limit their interaction with locals due to the risk of communicable diseases. However, he acknowledges that emotions often get the better of them, and they want to show love and care to the people they meet.
