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| A Woman Uses a Kiondo Basket to Pick Flowers |
This
year, American Democratic Party Presidential Candidate for the 2020 primaries
Thomas Steyer surprised many people when he wore a Kenyan-made belt during
campaigns. The billionaire businessman explained that he bought his favourite
belt during one of his travels to the country and it was sold to him by a woman
artisan in Kenya.
While
it may pass as a joke to many, this highlights the good art work by Kenyan
women which sometimes goes unnoticed as people scramble to buy things they
consider Western. Thus today we highlight the benefits of investing in the kiondo
marking craft, which is a traditional hobby for many women in Central and
Eastern Kenya and why the government should invest in it.
Sustainable Future
Kiondos stands for a
sustainable future, clean and safe. Kenya banned the use of plastic bags in
2017. Kiondo is a good alternative as it is environment friendly. The use of
kiondo is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Goal Number 14.
Beautiful and Durable
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| A Beautiful Kiondo Basket |
Kiondo
baskets are long lasting. They are made from hand twisted sisal fibres in a traditional
weaving style while the straps are made from cow hides. Sisal basket weaving is
a rich culture among the Agikuyu women from Central Kenya and Akamba women from
Eastern Kenya. The Taita women make kiondo from the baobab tree.
Empowering Rural Women
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| A Kenyan Woman Weaving a Kiondo |
It
is a way of empowering rural women and stimulating local economy. The rural
women who make this baskets use a hundred percent of their hard earnned income
to support their families. Over the years, kiondos have been made by these
rural women and exported. The women make the baskets casually as a side hustle
while travelling in buses, relaxing at home or during their casual
conversations. Thus what it means is that the government should look for a way
of modernizing the production of these baskets and produce on large scale.
Promotion of Culture
It is a way of promoting Kenyan culture. Of
late, Kenyan kiondos have been getting competition from cheaper machine made
kiondos from China, Japan and Taiwan. Japan has even gone ahead to patent it as
its original owner. At least this is one area where the country can protect her
traditional art and craft.
Kiondos are Cheap and Convenient
It is cheap and
convenient to carry. An average
kiondo goes at less than ksh 500 and can last for a few years. Furthermore, Kiondos
can be used to carry a variety of goods. These include vegetables, fruits,
bread and other foodstuffs. Whether on one’s back, or in a car, there is always
that convenience when the kiondo is nearby.
Springboard for Industrialization
The foundation of 18th century
industrial revolution in Britian was the textile industry. Cottage or small
industries that were operated from home became the backbone of the industrial
sector in Briatin and inventions such as the power loom, spinning jenny and
water frame were invented to support the textile industries. With an already
enthusiastic work force, this sector can significantly contribute to the vision
of industrialization in Kenya.
President
Uhuru Kenyatta adores Kenyan culture as seen from his trademark Maasai bangle
that bears colors of the Kenyan flag. By supporting this industry with favourable
policies, finances and market, kiondos can help in achieving the Big Four
Agenda, whose pillar is manufacturing. Follow us on: www.twendeafricaposts.blogspot.com.
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