How Pamoja Creative Arts is uplifting youth through handcrafted art and entrepreneurship
Dennis Kabui and Nicky Koge are the founders of Pamoja Creative Arts and Decor, which specialises in handcrafted bronze-aluminium decor and ambient lighting.
Artisans play a vital role in shaping the economy. By creating employment opportunities and producing handcrafted goods that meet changing consumer preferences, they not only contribute unique, high-quality products, but also add to the cultural and economic development of a nation.
One such enterprise is Pamoja Creative Arts and Decor, which specialises in handcrafted bronze-aluminium decor and ambient lighting. Committed to environmental sustainability, the company has established itself as an industry leader, using eco-friendly processes to create innovative products from recycled and reused materials.
Founded by Dennis Kabui and Nicky Koge, a duo united by their shared passion for entrepreneurship, art, creativity and product design, the brand was created with a vision to fill a gap in the market by offering unique, high quality decorative items that combine artistic design with functionality.
The journey began when Nicky and his father used simple tools to create innovative lamps in their modest workshop in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi. They would travel to Westlands to find buyers for their creations. Over time, the business grew and expanded into both wholesale and retail markets, both locally and regionally.
In 2021, Pamoja Decor was officially launched and has since evolved into a brand that specialises in a wide range of products, including aluminium, metal, wood, resin, beadwork and other handcrafted items.
“Our speciality lies in blending art with functionality, crafting bespoke interior and exterior décor items such as lampshades, chandeliers, table lamps, frames, wall hangings and candle holders. We collect, recycle, and repurpose aluminium, metal, wood, and other materials, transforming them into functional, attractive pieces,” says Kabui.
Kabui, a business and marketing specialist, and Nicky, an artist with a flair for design, set out to produce handcrafted bronze-aluminium products that would transform the decor industry in Kenya.
The inspiration behind the venture was driven by the realisation that there were no companies creating similar products in the Kenyan market at the time. They saw an opportunity to create something unique, while bringing their love of creativity and design to life.
However, as with any entrepreneurial journey, the founders faced several challenges in the early stages. Raising capital, training staff and penetrating the market were some of the key hurdles they faced. Despite this, they were driven by their shared passion and vision, which kept them focused and motivated.
To fund their initial operations, they used personal savings and liquidated assets to raise the capital needed to get started.
Bronze-aluminium decor
The pair pioneered the creation of bronze-aluminium decor and ambience lighting in Kenya, driven by their appreciation for the transformative power of artistic lighting in residential and commercial spaces.
"Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality has positioned us as leaders in this field, filling a gap in an industry that previously lacked competitors offering similar products," says Kabui.
At the heart of its mission is youth empowerment. The company actively recruits and trains young people, providing them with valuable skills and income opportunities.
By training and employing young artisans, they have enabled many people to find a sustainable source of income while encouraging the growth of local crafts in Kenya.
The production process is as intricate as it is deliberate. Each product undergoes a thoughtful and detailed process, starting with product design. Nicky's artistic vision is brought to life through sketches and conceptual designs, which are then transformed into actual products.
The design stage is followed by the production of frames, then the handcrafting of intricate patterns and designs that form the basis of the decorative items.
The products then undergo a hardening process, which helps to solidify their durability. The final step is assembly, where the various components are carefully put together to form the finished product.
The core materials used in production include bronze-aluminium, brass, wood, beads and metal. These materials are carefully selected for their aesthetic appeal, strength and durability. Their combination allows the creation of decor items that are visually striking, long-lasting and sustainable.
Pamoja Creative Arts and Decor offers a diverse range of products to suit different tastes, needs and preferences.
“Our collection includes a wide selection of ambient lighting solutions, such as wall lamps, ceiling lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, and chandeliers. We also feature unique wall decor, intricately designed masks, custom artistic signage, elegant framed mirrors, and stylish body accessories,” he says.
Product prices start from Sh1,800 for wall lamps, Sh2,500 for ceiling lamps, Sh4,500 for table lamps, Sh7,500 for floor lamps, and Sh10,000 for chandeliers and portraits. Prices may vary depending on the size and design of each piece.
Kabui says that each product is handcrafted to ensure that no two items are alike. This commitment to craftsmanship means that customers are assured of receiving unique products that reflect both the artistry of the creators and the spirit of Kenyan craftsmanship.
Crucial role
Technology is a cornerstone of their operations, playing a crucial role in both product design and market expansion. "The use of digital tools and design software has enabled us to streamline our product development process. This enhances our creative capacity while increasing the efficiency of our operations, enabling us to bring innovative designs to life faster," he explains.
Through these digital resources, Pamoja has been able to connect its unique products with a broader customer base. In addition to its role in product design, social media and digital marketing have become powerful drivers of the company's success.
"Our digital presence has been key to expanding our reach, it has increased our brand visibility, driven sales, and helped us tap into markets beyond our local area," he adds.
Currently employing 8 artisans and having trained over 20, the company has invested significant time and resources in developing the technical skills, craftsmanship and attention to detail of young artisans to ensure high quality standards.
Looking to the future, Pamoja has ambitious plans to expand and distribute its products throughout Kenya, the wider East African region and internationally. As the company grows, the founders are focused on increasing production capacity, refining marketing strategies and improving logistics to meet the growing demand for their products.
“Securing the capital needed to scale operations remains a major challenge. We are actively seeking funding to meet the increasing demand for our products and expand our market presence. With the right resources, we are confident in their ability to grow, create more job opportunities, and further empower youth,” he concludes.
