The growth of Kenya's local craft

By Calvin Obat

Consumers are increasingly turning away from the big stores, embracing the cultural artifacts of locally produced goods, like handmade jewelry, clay pots and small batch beers.

The emergence of these crafts represents more than just a shopping trend; it is a cultural shift that represents a desire for connection, talent and cultural activities. The Masai, Pokot and the Pokomo in recent years have attracted tourists to the country with their cultural activities and artifacts. It is more of celebrating a human skill.

There are many factors that have contributed to the rise of this craft movement. For example, the emergence and growth of online marketing has provided a platform to reach a wider audience, breaking down geographical barriers and connecting directly with consumers.

This attracts tourists to many African countries hence boosting their economies. Kenya has been one of the major foreign exchange earners due to the growth of the local craft.

Local crafts extend beyond the product itself. Consumers are drawn to the stories behind the creation, the passion of the makers and the overall sense of the community that surrounds the craft. The buying of these local crafts often means that there is a connection that is built between the buyer and the seller.

The buyer appreciates the time and skill invested in each piece. This creates a personal connection that is absent in the impersonal universe of mass produced goods.

In my opinion, locally made craft emphasizes more on quality rather than quantity. They use cheap but high quality material that are mostly eye-catching. Even though artisans face many benefits, they also encounter challenges like competing for prizes with mass produced goodS. This poses a lot of difficulty amongst the sellers.

We all need to embrace local craft as it enables the promotion of culture, especially in African communities. The resurgence of local craft represents a powerful shift in consumer cautiousness.

It’s a celebration of human creativity, a commitment to community, and a testament to the enduring appeal of things made with care and passion.