Tag: beads

Picture this: A woman sits under the shade of an acacia tree, her hands working magic with tiny glass beads, threading them together to create patterns for a keychain that mirror the spots on a giraffe or the tusk of an elephant. At the end of the week, these ‘love letters’ to the wildlife and culture that inspires her craft will turn into an income.

This is the world of BeadWORKS, where something as simple as a glass bead becomes a lifeline, a voice, a force for change, and an unlikely product financing conservation efforts and developments in northern Kenya.

On 22^nd July, at the Kalama Conservancy Headquarters, BeadWORKS artisans from nine NRT community conservancies across Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia, and Marsabit came together for a noble cause, contributing KSh 3.5 million in conservation fees.

The funds were allocated as follows:

This amount represents 5% of their annual sales income, dedicated to supporting conservation efforts and community development projects, like supporting conservancy rangers, wildlife protection, or school bursaries. Since its inception in 2016, the conservation fee model under BeadWORKS has generated KSh 13.37 million, directly benefiting community-led conservancies.

BeadWORKS, a World Fair Trade Organization-certified enterprise, is a business line under MashinaniWORKS that has, for over 15 years, established an organized network of 1,200 pastoralist women in northern Kenya, creating income-generating opportunities by transforming their traditional beading skills into high-quality, handcrafted products.

In 2024 alone, BeadWORKS generated Ksh 36.2 million in product sales, raising its total revenue since 2016 to Ksh 267.45 million. The women themselves earned 10.6 million shillings in 2024 from creating 75,626 products – earrings, belts, keychains, decorative pieces, and more. Over the years, these artisans have put 80 million shillings directly into their own pockets – money that allows them to pay school fees, put food on the table, start businesses, and, in several cases, leave behind destructive survival activities like charcoal burning.

“BeadWORKS is not just about beading. Every bead tells a story – of resilience and economic empowerment of our women. It’s a skill that takes them from one level to another.” Salma Lekoomet, BeadWORKS Production Manager.

In the communities where BeadWORKS operates, women traditionally haven’t had much say in decision-making, but that has since shifted.

The women have gone on to take leadership roles among themselves, serving as Star Beaders or members of peace committees, and even in conservancy boards. Now, when meetings happen, women’s voices fill the room. When families make financial decisions, women contribute to the discussion. When children dream about their future, they see their mothers as examples of what’s possible.

They have also gained access to financial institutions, like the Rangelands SACCO, where most of them are members, allowing them to save money and take loans.

“Previously, many of us relied on our husbands for financial support, always waiting for them to provide for our needs. However, now that we’ve achieved financial independence, the dynamics have shifted, allowing us to contribute equally and support one another.” Joyce Lelukai said, adding that, “I also opened an account with Rangelands SACCO, and I’ve borrowed loans for starting my businesses and building a modern house.”

She was echoed by her counterpart, Nkasupat Leariyaro, who is a Star Beader and vice chairperson of the Melako Conservancy board. Through BeadWORKS, Nkasupat has been exposed to life-changing experiences, including the recent trip to the United States of America.

At the celebration officiated by the Marsabit Deputy Governor, Hon. Solomon Gubo, along with other county officials and partners, 103 Star Beaders were recognized and awarded Ksh. 1.17 million. The artisans work in groups, with each Star Beader supervising between 10 and 15 women. They play a crucial role in ensuring quality control and coordination, serving as the link between their network and the BeadWORKS office. They also provide mentorship and training to their members.

That didn’t stop there. Nine Star Beaders from each conservancy were awarded for their outstanding performance. Three best overall beaders out of the 1,200 – Nasaru Leariyaro of Melako Conservancy, Christine Shuel of Il Ngwesi Conservancy, and Nantiyon Letaapoof Sera Conservancy – were awarded with solar kits.

Melako and Il Ngwesi Conservancies also won Best Conservancies in the year 2023/24 awards.

What started in the villages of northern Kenya now reaches across oceans. BeadWORKS handcrafted products appear in displays across Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe. Every purchase connects someone thousands of miles away to these talented artisans.

BeadWORKS has also established itself as a globally recognized brand, partnering with other brands such as Ibu Movement, the Ethical Fashion Initiative, and Mifuko – all of which share similar perspectives to BeadWORKS.

This network of women has grown into something unprecedented in northern Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) – a women-led enterprise addressing profound challenges including gender-based violence, poverty, malnutrition, and insecurity, through economic empowerment.

Across nine conservancies, the 1,200 women will continue the work that has already proved to be life-changing.

When you choose BeadWORKS, you’re carrying the dreams of women who wake up every morning and choose to make their world better. You’re making a business transaction with some of the most skilled artisans in Africa. You’re ensuring that their children stay in school, you’re connecting your style to their story, and your purchase to their power.

Visit www.beadworkskenya.com to purchase beautifully beaded handcrafted products made in northern Kenya that change lives.

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