Dr Hezekiah Kariuki Mwangi, the CEO of Together As One Microfinance and Comfort Homes. Photo/Newsflash
By Newsflash Reporter
Unemployment remains one of Kenya’s most pressing challenges, with thousands of graduates entering the job market each year—only to encounter limited opportunities.
While many express frustration, one man has chosen a different path: action.
Dr Hezekiah Kariuki Mwangi, CEO of Together As One Microfinance and Comfort Homes, has dedicated his life to job creation and youth empowerment.
Through his ventures, he has provided employment to over 800 Kenyans, offering not just financial stability, but also a platform for personal and professional growth.
“Young people are at the heart of my success. I believe in them, and that’s why I will keep pushing to create even more jobs,” says Kariuki. “Unemployment is Kenya’s biggest problem—it has eaten into the fabric of our country. But as long as I’m here, I’ll keep doing my part to change that.”
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Kariuki’s story is a powerful tale of resilience. Born in Kirinyaga County, he was forced to drop out of school due to financial hardships. Instead of surrendering to his circumstances, he took to the streets of Nairobi, selling roasted maize to survive.
Having experienced the harsh realities of joblessness firsthand, he made a promise: if he ever succeeded, he would help others do the same.
Building businesses, changing lives
Driven by that commitment, Kariuki founded Together As One Microfinance, a company offering financial solutions to underserved communities. He later established Comfort Homes, a real estate firm focused on making homeownership affordable for ordinary Kenyans. Through these enterprises, he has become one of the country’s leading job creators.
But for Kariuki, creating jobs is just the beginning—his true mission is transforming lives. Many of his employees have grown both professionally and personally under his leadership. One employee, who asked to remain anonymous, shared how joining Comfort Homes changed her life.
“Before I joined, I was struggling to make ends meet,” she says. “But this job has opened new doors for me—not just financially, but mentally. I’ve met people who’ve challenged me to think bigger, and I’ve learned the true meaning of business.”
To Kariuki, employment is not just about earning a paycheck. He encourages his employees to invest, start side businesses, and plan for long-term financial growth.
“A good employer doesn’t just pay salaries—they help their people grow,” he says. “I want my employees to succeed even beyond my company.”
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With Kenya’s unemployment rate still alarmingly high, Kariuki has no intention of slowing down. He envisions expanding his businesses to create opportunities for thousands more, ensuring that every Kenyan who is willing to work gets a fair shot.
“We can’t fix Kenya’s economy without addressing unemployment,” he says. “That’s why I will never stop. As long as there are jobless young people out there, I have work to do.”
In a country where job seekers far outnumber available positions, Dr Kariuki stands out as a beacon of hope—a man proving that one individual, driven by purpose, can make a difference.
