Wawira Njiru, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Food4Education (F4E), has been named to the 2025 CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business List.
This prestigious recognition celebrates women who are reshaping industries with innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Wawira’s inclusion underscores her groundbreaking work in addressing classroom hunger across Africa through F4E’s locally rooted, scalable school feeding programs.
What began as a passion project in 2012, feeding just 25 children in her hometown of Ruiru, Kenya, has blossomed into a transformative movement. Today, F4E serves 500,000 children daily with nutritious meals, improving education outcomes, creating jobs, and empowering communities.
Wawira’s leadership has been pivotal in driving this growth, with innovations like Tap2Eat, an e-payments platform, and Giga Kitchen, Africa’s largest green kitchen, which delivers 60,000 meals daily using eco-friendly technology.
Kristin Groos Richmond, F4E Board Chair and former CEO of Revolution Foods, lauded Wawira’s impact, saying, “Wawira is a visionary leader who combines heart, focus, and innovation to forge a new system for school feeding. Her work is not only transforming lives but also setting a new standard for sustainable, locally led solutions.”
In response to the recognition, Wawira shared, “This honor is a testament to the incredible team at F4E and the changemakers on the ground who bring our vision to life every day. Together, we are ensuring that Africa’s children receive the care and nourishment they deserve, unlocking their potential for a brighter future.”
A Blueprint for Africa’s Future
F4E’s mission goes beyond providing meals—it’s about building a sustainable school feeding industry that can be replicated across the continent.
By 2030, the organization aims to expand into two additional African countries, reaching 3 million children. This ambitious goal aligns with a growing trend across Africa, where 70% of countries are prioritizing universal school feeding in their national budgets.
Wawira’s approach—rooted in collaboration with governments, philanthropists, and local communities—has proven that scalable, locally led solutions can drive systemic change. F4E’s model not only addresses hunger but also strengthens local economies by creating jobs and supporting small businesses within the supply chain.
