Mary Wanjiku, a mother of two, vividly remembers a harrowing moment that changed her life forever. One evening, a gas cylinder she had just refilled began leaking. The smell of gas filled her small kitchen, and panic set in. She scrambled to disconnect it and move it outside, narrowly avoiding a catastrophe.
For Mary, and countless families like hers across Kenya, cooking gas and water aren’t just everyday utilities—they’re sources of constant worry and, sometimes, danger. It’s this reality that Peter and Lesley, the founders of GoBeba, set out to change.
“Families shouldn’t live in fear of their gas cylinders or struggle with the burden of sourcing water,” says Peter. “We knew we had to provide a solution that made these essentials safe and accessible, especially for households.”
A vision rooted in personal experience
Peter and Lesley’s journey to founding GoBeba is as much about their personal story as it is about their business. Having spent most of their lives in the U.S., they grew accustomed to the convenience of piped gas and water. Returning to Kenya, they were struck by how accessing basic utilities was not only inconvenient but often dangerous.
“In the U.S., you never have to think twice about your gas or water,” Lesley recalls. “But here, we saw families carrying heavy cylinders and water containers, often taking unnecessary risks. That contrast lit a fire in us to do something meaningful.”
GoBeba was born with a bold vision: to ensure that at least 1 million families across Africa live without the fear of gas explosions and the daily challenges of accessing water.
Empowering women and families
What makes GoBeba unique is its focus on families, especially women. Understanding that most households are managed by women, the company has built a model that aligns with their needs and realities.
“We serve women. They are at the center of everything we do,” Lesley says. “They’re the ones making decisions for their homes, and we’ve designed GoBeba to make their lives easier.”
This philosophy extends to the company itself, where 85% of the team is made up of women.
“We believe in empowering women not just as our customers, but as leaders,” Lesley explains. “It’s a reflection of the trust they’ve placed in us to deliver convenience and safety.”
Overcoming the hurdles
The journey to building GoBeba hasn’t been easy. As first-time entrepreneurs, Peter and Lesley faced numerous challenges, from raising capital to finding warehouse space and navigating Kenya’s startup ecosystem.
“There were moments we felt overwhelmed,” Peter admits. “We had a vision, but turning it into reality required more than just passion. It required resilience, faith, and the support of our networks.”
Faith has been a cornerstone of their journey.
“God has been our guide through it all,” Lesley shares. “Whenever we faced setbacks, we leaned on Him and the people He placed in our lives. It’s been a journey of trust and persistence.”
Delivering impact, one family at a time
Today, GoBeba serves thousands of households across Kenya, delivering essential utilities like cooking gas and water directly to their doorsteps. For families like Mary’s, this has been life-changing.
“GoBeba has given me peace of mind,” Mary says. “I don’t have to worry about gas leaks or carrying heavy cylinders anymore. They’ve taken that burden away.”
The impact goes beyond convenience. GoBeba has created jobs for 30 young people, who play a vital role in the company’s operations.
“Our team is our greatest asset,” Lesley says proudly. “They’re the ones ensuring that our vision reaches every corner of the city, and their dedication is inspiring.”
A dream for Africa
While GoBeba is making strides in Kenya, Peter and Lesley dream of an Africa where utilities like gas and water are as accessible as they are in developed countries.
“One day, we hope to see piped gas and water in every home,” Peter says. “But until that day comes, we’ll keep working to make these essentials safe and accessible for everyone.”
The road ahead is still challenging, but the founders remain steadfast in their mission.
“Every delivery we make is a step closer to our dream,” Peter says. “For us, it’s not just about the gas or water—it’s the convenience, safety, and the promise of a better future for our families.”
Numbers that speak volumes
- 85% female team: Reflecting their commitment to empowering women.
- 30 staff members: Creating jobs and fostering growth among Kenya’s youth.
- Thousands of households served: Ensuring families have safe access to essential utilities.
- 1 million families goal: Aiming to transform lives across Africa by providing safety and convenience.
“At its core, GoBeba is about people,” Lesley emphasizes. “We’re delivering peace of mind and the chance for families to live without fear.”
As GoBeba continues its journey, its story serves as an inspiration for families, entrepreneurs, and anyone who dares to dream of a better future.