Narok: Rural women in the Oletukat market, Narok East Sub County, have transitioned from the charcoal trade to modern bead making after the government banned the extensive destruction of forests.
According to Kenya News Agency, these women have embraced their new trade following training on contemporary bead making techniques, aiming to tap into the lucrative international market for artifact products. Samuel Chege, the programme officer at Farming System Kenya (FSK), explained that his organization is providing this training to help the women access both local and international markets, thereby diversifying their income sources and improving their livelihoods.
Chege noted that while bead making has been a traditional livelihood for the Maa women, modern trends present more appealing opportunities for both local and international marketplaces. He emphasized the need to move away from traditional methods, which are considered increasingly outdated, and adopt modern techniques to remain competitive.
The tran
sition aims to alleviate poverty among the predominantly donkey-farming community by ensuring a stable income that enhances their quality of life and benefits the welfare of their animals. Mwihaki Mwanik, Chairlady of the Enkishon women group, highlighted that modern bead making not only sustains their families but also provides opportunities to expand their businesses.
The women’s group, consisting of 20 members, recently produced 50 different types of beads, which they successfully sold to tourists visiting the county. Mwanik shared that profits from bead sales are reinvested into the business, covering daily expenses and savings for future needs.
Lucy Bakitan, a beneficiary of the training, expressed gratitude to FSK for teaching her a more efficient and cost-effective method of bead making compared to traditional practices. Another beneficiary, Naishurini Mwanik, revealed that the profits from bead making are used to purchase food, improve her home, and fund her children’s education.
