Premium
Samburu relies on internet to market beads to empower women
Some of the beads done by different women groups in Samburu on display during the recent International Maralal Camp Derby at Yare village near Maralal town. PHOTO | POOL
What you need to know:
- Bead ornaments are popular with tourists and the devolved unit has resolved to fully fund the Ushanga Kenya Initiative across all wards in the county.
- According to the World Bank, the traditional art has the potential to become a profitable export niche.
Samburu County is set to create a unit that will market beads in neighbouring regions and to the Bomas of Kenya using an online platform. This is according to Deputy Governor Julius Leseeto.
Items for sale include breast plates, earrings and bracelets that are mainly made by women.
Mr Leseeto noted that women in Samburu often face barriers in marketing their beadwork, something that the county is trying to address. Other challenges, he said, include cultural norms and lack of information.
MARKETING PRODUCTS
“They (women) often face difficulties in marketing their products. We will use available means including online platforms to help them” said Mr Leseeto.
