In the serene village of Ogongo, nestled near the Ruri National Park in the heart of Homa Bay County, a young entrepreneur found her calling amidst the lush landscape. Easter Kojwang, the founder of Eastnat Limited, had a transformative moment while harvesting groundnuts at her grandmother’s farm on the slopes of Ruri Hills. The realisation struck her: these simple nuts could be transformed into something much more valuable — nut butter. This marked the birth of Eastnat Limited, a company dedicated to producing homemade peanut butter and other natural wellness products.
Easter’s trajectory towards entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in her personal struggles and passion for health and wellness. Despite being in her 20s, she faced significant health challenges, including pre-diabetes, hypertension, and various symptoms associated with poor nutrition and lifestyle choices. These struggles ignited her drive to explore natural remedies and superfoods that could enhance her quality of life.
With an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and a Certificate in Hotel and Hospitality Management from Moi University, Easter was well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to turn her vision into reality. Her educational background, combined with a deep-seated desire to improve her health, led her to explore the power of food as medicine. Instead of resorting to medication to manage her high blood pressure, she discovered the benefits of hibiscus flowers and pink Himalayan salt, which naturally helped her maintain a healthy blood pressure level.
Easter also battled with painful menstrual symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, mood swings, and hormonal acne. Through research, she uncovered the strong connection between diet and hormonal balance. This revelation not only transformed her own health but also inspired her to share her findings with others. Eastnat Limited became more than just a business; it became a platform through which Easter could share her journey towards wellness and help others lead healthier lives.
Eastnat’s product line now includes not only peanut butter but also natural honey, shea butter, ghee, and coconut oil—all crafted with the same dedication to health and wellness that Easter applied to her own life. Her initial venture began modestly, with her harvesting nuts in her grandmother’s shamba (farm) and taking more selfies than harvesting. But what started as a fun Facebook post led to a flood of orders for groundnuts and peanut butter from her friends. With the help of her sister Lorraine, who guided her on where to hire a machine for grinding peanuts, Easter managed to produce her first batch of 76 jars of peanut butter, which she sold within three days upon returning to Nairobi.
Now 26 years old, a mother of one, and a thriving entrepreneur, Easter continues to expand her business while pursuing an MBA. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the pursuit of wellness. Through Eastnat Limited, Easter is not just selling products; she’s offering a piece of her journey and a commitment to helping others lead healthier, more balanced lives.
