Lodwar – 11 June 2024 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

In a collaborative effort to boost the basketry and weaving industry, the Turkana County government, in partnership with USAID Nawiri, recently hosted a stakeholders’ forum to address the challenges and unlock the economic potential of this vital sector.

The forum, held at the Cradle Tented Camp, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, hoteliers, transporters, and the artisans themselves, to discuss ways to enhance the value chain and improve the livelihoods of the people of Turkana.

According to the USAID Nawiri assessment, basketry and weaving account for approximately 5% of income sources in Turkana County, highlighting the sector’s untapped potential. “Basketry and weaving are not just cultural traditions, but also crucial economic activities for the people of Turkana,” said David Erukud, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for the Department of Trade. “We must work together to establish international market linkages and overcome the barriers that have prevented these products from reaching the global market.”

The forum has already yielded tangible results, with the initiative identifying and training 572 women and youths in basketry and weaving skills this financial year. Additionally, 30 female master trainers have been mapped to facilitate skills transfer within the community.

“The devolution process has opened up new opportunities for us, but we need to be proactive in marketing and selling our products,” said Cecilia, the Chief Officer for Tourism. “We encourage weavers to participate in public budget processes and connect with hoteliers and event organizers to showcase their crafts.”

Director for Trade, James Lokwale, re-echoed the need for the formation of trade cooperatives and participation in events to boost sales.

According to the director, the county was keen on ensuring that master weavers pass on the skills to other weavers especially when new styles come in the market.

The stakeholders proposed a five-pronged plan to boost the basketry industry, including regular workshops, consultative engagement with the hospitality industry, the development of an online marketing platform, county-wide craft shows, and participation in national events like Magical Kenya Week.

Hoteliers such as Sand Fields, Ateker, and Turkreef have pledged to provide dedicated spaces in their establishments for the sale of these local products. Skyward Express, a regional airline, has also committed to offering free transportation of the baskets and woven items to customers outside Turkana, while the local airport has agreed to create display spaces for the artisans’ creations.

“This forum has been a game-changer for us,” said Mary Erakai, a member of the Kerio Basket Makers’ Self-help Group. “We now have access to new markets, support from the government and private sector, and the opportunity to showcase our skills and earn a sustainable income. This is truly empowering for the women of Turkana.”

The Turkana Basketry Forum has ignited a collaborative effort to unlock the economic potential of the region’s artisanal sector, with the ultimate goal of improving the livelihoods of the local community and contributing to the overall development of Turkana County.