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How Betty Kitonga Built Rainbow Plate Catering
Betty Kitonga’s journey reflects resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. She grew up in Yururu village in Imenti South, Meru County.
Born to a teenage mother who faced family rejection, Betty was raised by her grandmother. Her father moved on to start another family. Life was difficult, but her grandmother remained her anchor.
“My grandmother was very tough on me, but she loved me deeply,” Betty recalls. “She made sure I stayed disciplined and focused on school.”
She later joined Kaaga Girls High School. During this time, her grandmother’s health began to decline. Betty realized she would soon carry greater responsibility.
“I knew I had to become strong for both of us,” she says.
Education setback sparks new direction
After high school, Betty enrolled at Mount Kenya University in 2011. However, financial challenges forced her to drop out.
“I felt like my dreams had come to a stop,” she says. “But I refused to give up.”
Her breakthrough came when she discovered the KCB Foundation 2Jiajiri Programme. The initiative supports young people with technical skills and entrepreneurship training.
She applied and secured a place. She trained at St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute, where she specialized in catering, bakery, and pastry.
“The programme changed my life,” she says. “It gave me skills and confidence to build something of my own.”
How Betty Kitonga Built Rainbow Plate Catering
Building a business with purpose
With her new skills, Betty launched Rainbow Plate Catering. The milestone came with mixed emotions, as she also lost her grandmother around the same time.
Despite the loss, she pushed forward. In 2024, she joined Boma International Hospitality College to study Food Production. The course strengthened her business knowledge.
“It opened my eyes to proper bookkeeping and planning,” she explains. “I now see my business as a structured enterprise.”
She completed her internship while running her catering business in Roysambu. This balance helped her grow both professionally and financially.
Today, Rainbow Plate Catering serves a wide range of clients. These include corporates, weddings, and private events across Nairobi.
A message to young entrepreneurs
Betty now encourages young people to stay bold and focused.
“Believe in yourself and don’t fear failure,” she advises. “With determination, you will meet people who will elevate you.”
She also credits the KCB Foundation for changing her path.
“That opportunity gave me the skills and confidence to build my life,” she says.
From a young girl in rural Meru to a growing entrepreneur in Nairobi, Betty’s story highlights the impact of resilience, skills, and opportunity.
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