Barclay Okari
Barclay Okari is a Kenyan social entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, innovation, and impact. From a young age, he was drawn to business, helping in his family’s grain trade at 11. Though his early ventures—SkypeScience and MarketPlace—failed, they laid the foundation for his breakthrough in 2010 when he founded Impact Africa Industries Ltd. Based in Kitale, the company produces affordable, reusable sanitary pads aimed at addressing menstrual hygiene challenges that keep girls out of school.
Through this innovation, Okari has transformed education and health outcomes for thousands of young girls across East Africa. His program now partners with over 1,300 schools in Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, ensuring that at least 125,000 girls remain in school each year rather than missing classes due to lack of sanitary pads. This contribution has been life-changing, tackling both gender inequality in education and broader social development issues.
Beyond its social mission, Impact Africa has become a sustainable business model, generating $800,000 in revenue in one year and employing over 80 people. Expanding into baby diaper production, the company continues to scale its reach. Okari’s story illustrates how entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for social change, empowerment, and economic growth.