Vokenel Enterprises Limited

Vokenel Enterprises Limited is a Kenyan social enterprise established in 2017, specializing in the processing of baobab fruit powder and baobab oil. With eight years of experience, the organization has built a robust value chain by sourcing baobab fruits from over a thousand farmers in Makueni County, a semi-arid region. Vokenel is committed to sustainable practices, operating a seedling nursery for drought-resistant tree species such as baobab, tamarind, acacia, and melia volkensii. The organization partners closely with local communities in Kibwezi East and West to restore degraded land through tree planting, demonstrating a strong track record in both environmental restoration and community engagement.

The proposed project aims to drive business growth and enhance land restoration efforts in Makueni County. Vokenel will develop a new baobab husk planting medium from production waste, promoting circularity and providing a sustainable alternative for nurseries and hydroponic farming. Funding will support the acquisition of processing equipment, expansion of baobab oil production, and attainment of international food safety certification to access broader markets. The project will also strengthen local supply chains by purchasing more baobab fruits from farmers and investing in the expansion of community nurseries. In partnership with the Kibwezi Forest Fighters Community Based Organization, Vokenel plans to plant 80,000 trees across farmlands, schools, dispensaries, and churches, while supporting nursery protection through the installation of beehives to deter elephants. The initiative integrates community mobilization, nursery management, and ongoing tree maintenance to ensure high survival rates and lasting environmental impact.