Nandi Deputy Governor Advocates for Monetization of Women’s Traditional Crafts to Boost Economic Empowerment.
Nandi Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei has called upon the government and relevant stakeholders to support women artisans by monetizing traditional artefacts and creating accessible markets for their crafts. She emphasized that while various sectors, including sports, art, and culture, are receiving governmental support, it’s crucial not to overlook the contributions of women who craft traditional artefacts.
Dr. Mitei highlighted that many women engage in crafting as a hobby, and with appropriate incentives and support, they could transform their skills into profitable ventures. She noted that the sector holds limitless potential, suggesting that with the right backing, these artisans could produce even more exemplary products.
In alignment with this vision, the County Government of Nandi has prioritized cultural and traditional initiatives. Dr. Mitei announced plans to train traditional dance groups and organize dance competitions leading up to a cultural day later in the year. She also advocated for increased women’s representation in leadership positions, believing that a more inclusive society would ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
Recognizing the pivotal role of women as custodians of culture in traditional African settings, Dr. Mitei’s call to action underscores the need to preserve cultural heritage while empowering women economically.
In a related development, the Kenyan government, through the Ushanga Kenya Initiative under the Ministry of Sports, Heritage, and Culture, launched a digital platform to assist women from seven pastoralist communities in marketing their beadwork products globally. This initiative aims to empower women economically by transforming their traditional art into sustainable livelihoods. The platform facilitates direct access to international markets, enabling artisans to receive payments in foreign currencies. Communities involved include Narok, Kajiado, West Pokot, Turkana, Laikipia, Samburu, and Baringo, each with unique beadwork styles.
The Ushanga Kenya Initiative has organized women into cooperatives across these counties, with the smallest cooperative comprising 100 registered members. To ensure the artefacts meet international standards, the initiative provides capacity building on modern designs, value addition, entrepreneurial skills, and the use of tools and equipment. Over 5,000 women have benefited from these training programs, enabling them to create contemporary pieces that cater to diverse global demands.
These efforts collectively aim to preserve Kenya’s rich cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for women artisans, ensuring their crafts gain the recognition and market access they deserve.