Speaker Bio
Joyce Waithira Rugano is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ecorich Solutions Limited, an agritech company that pioneered circular solutions for sustainable agriculture. Ecorich developed the WasteBot,an AI- and sensor-enabled, solar-powered machine that converts organic waste into organic fertilizer within 24 hours.
Joyce holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. Motivated by the twin challenges of rising fertilizer costs for smallholder farmers and poor waste management systems, she founded Ecorich in 2020 to bridge the gap between waste and agricultural productivity.
Under her leadership, Ecorich has significantly contributed to climate change mitigation, food security, and women and youth empowerment through sustainable agricultural practices. Joyce’s innovative work has earned her multiple recognitions, including the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Award (WAYA 2025), AgriTech4Kenya Award, and Women in Agribusiness Award, among others.
She continues to champion inclusive and sustainable innovation across Africa, driving impact at the intersection of technology, environment, and community development.