About Torch Initiatives

A woman standing in front of a group of seated women in a classroom or meeting room, giving a presentation on plant-based nutrition. Several women are eating meals on the table, and there are educational posters and papers on the table.

Torch Initiatives is a nonprofit organization working with schools and communities across Kenya to make plant-based eating practical and accessible.

Our programs teach youth and women to grow food, help communities build food security, and promote compassion for animals. That way, we equip communities with practical skills while supporting better nutrition and care for animals and the environment.

Our Mission

We equip young people and communities with skills to grow their own food, improve nutrition, and build sustainable livelihoods while promoting compassion for animals.

Group of women and one man outdoors with tables of vegetables and bread, some carrying masks with Summit branding.

Our Vision

We believe in working together, protecting the environment, supporting young people's potential, and creating a future where humans and animals thrive together.

A woman serving food at a table with bowls of vegetables and plates, in front of a sign that reads 'Vegan Basket', in an open-air setting.

Our Values

We are committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and plant-based advocacy. We prioritize the welfare of both humans and animals, and invest in the potential of young people to create positive change for the future.

Learn more about our programs
A group of people gathered outdoors during a community event, with a woman handing out items to a man, while others look on. There are signs in the background about plant-based nutrition education, and some children are present in the foreground.

Our Team

Led by Virginia Ruguru, who also coordinates women's advocacy across Africa, our team includes experts in communications, agriculture, logistics, and community organizing.

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with short, curly blonde hair wearing hoop earrings and a beige top against a plain white background.

    Virginia Ruguru

    FOUNDER AND TEAM LEADER
    Virginia leads Torch Initiatives with a focus on empowering communities through plant-based living and sustainable practices. She also coordinates women's advocacy across Africa, bringing strategic vision and commitment to creating lasting change in the communities we serve.

  • A close-up black-and-white photo of a man with glasses, a beard, and a bald head.

    Phanuel Mathenge

    HEAD OF LOGISTICS
    Phanuel coordinates the delivery of our programs, from supply chain management to on-the-ground execution. His attention to detail and strategic planning ensure our initiatives reach communities efficiently and effectively.

  • A man with a shaved head wearing glasses and a black shirt, posing against a green gradient background.

    Gitura Mwaura

    COMMS CONSULTANT
    Gitura brings experience in rural community engagement through his work with Trans World Radio. His diverse skill set includes impact assessment, reporting, and production of compelling project documentaries, as well as contributions to various community media platforms.

Where We Work

Based in Kenya, we currently serve schools and communities in Nairobi and Kilifi County.

Map of Kenya with two location markers, one near the southern border and one toward the southwest.

Our Impact

Since 2018, we've reached over 1,000 students, 100+ women and 50+ youth through our school and community outreach programs promoting plant-based living and sustainability.

Through TV and radio advocacy campaigns, we've reached an estimated 2 million Kenyans with messages about health, compassion, and sustainable living.

A bowl of fresh salad with cucumber, avocado, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, red bell pepper, purple cabbage, and various greens on a wooden table, with additional vegetables and a small bowl of sliced carrots nearby.
Group of people dancing and smiling outdoors at a festival or event, with a backdrop that includes a banner reading 'Vegan Restaurant Week' and various trees and plants.

Our Supporters

Thrive Philanthropy logo featuring a stylized tree with branches and leaves above the words 'THRIVE PHILANTHROPY' in uppercase letters.

Thrive Philanthropy is a global grantmaker and movement-builder that accelerates alternatives to industrial animal agriculture and amplifies just, sustainable, plant-based food systems in half the world’s countries – and growing.

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Group of children and an adult woman standing in front of a banner at an event promoting a plant-based diet and environmental sustainability. The children are holding baskets and bottles, and some are wearing medals.