We are an independent trading company offering a dynamic range of carefully selected handicrafts, arts, textiles, table ware, interior décor collections, jewellery, stationery, children's items and accessories. We buy exclusively from Kenyan artisans, many of whom make to our personal specifications. We are committed to supporting 'Fair Trade', to promoting Kenyan culture and to protecting the environment. What we believe in
We believe in supporting the Kenyan community, and in promoting Kenyan culture. We also believe in protecting the environment by using only sustainably produced raw materials and, wherever possible, in recycling materials that would otherwise go to waste or pollute the environment. To this end we offer a range of gifts made from recycled 'Matatus', we also periodically stock items made from recycled flip-flops, rhino and elephant dung and much more....
Buy natural
The world is increasingly ruled by plastic, man-made fibre and non-biodegradable materials, the production of which often depletes and degrades the planet. We believe in offering products made from natural materials, such as banana leaves, Kenyan cotton, hand spun Kenyan wool, environmentally managed timber, bone, and natural Kenyan soap stone.
Supporting the community
50% of Kenyans live below the poverty line, 70% of Kenyan youth cannot find employment at the end of their education, and many Kenyan women continue to suffer from the effects of gender discrimination.
The Kenyan environment is also seriously challenged by deforestation, while Kenya's magnificent wildlife continues to require protection from the ills resulting from the escalating human v wildlife conflicts. We believe in addressing these issues by encouraging alternative Kenyan economy, supporting the small-trader, buying direct and paying on supply, promoting Kenyan culture in all its many forms, providing earning opportunities to disadvantaged groups, such as; street children, refugees, the blind and the handicapped. We also believe in offering tangible empowerment to women in Kenya; we support a number of women's groups producing for instance, hand-knitted children's toys and with the money derived from this, the women can set up their own small businesses, and pay for the education of their children (most particularly their female children, many of whom are still excluded from education and destined for early 'arranged' marriages).
Our artisans
Every week, around 50 artisans visit us to sell their wares. Mostly from Kenya, we also have suppliers visiting us from as far away as the Democratic Republic of Congo and West Africa. Click here for furtherdetails on our artisans.
What Fair Trade means to us
Fair Trade is achieved by forging a trading partnership based on dialogue, transparency and respect; it also seeks to promote greater equity in international trade. Fair Trade contributes towards sustainable development by offering better trading conditions.