Empower artisans in marginalized areas of Kenya

Background

Action10 together with Human Rights & Science (HR&S) aim to raise funds to decrease poverty in the Kibera slum through increased employment and business activities. The Kibera slum in Kenya suffers from low employment and high poverty rate where the latter is as high as 50%. By supporting local business operations we will contribute to an increased standard of living in the area.

Action10 visits Kenya and Mr. Fredrick

Recently, Action10 representatives visited Kenya and Mr. Fredrick. He shared his insipirational entrepreneurial story and we want to pass it on. Hence, we have included parts from his story in this project update:

Fredrick started off as a Lab Technician in Kenya but soon realized he wanted to go into design and clothing. He has now been in the fashion industry for more than 30 years. In 2002, he started his own tailoring business called Dola’s Creation.

Dola’s Creation specializes in authentic ceremonial clothing with traditional African prints. Fredrick designs his own patterns and make all his clothing pieces from scratch, tailored to his customers’ preferences.

During Fredrick’s career he has designed and manufactured pieces for wedding parties, government personnel, politicians and Miss World contestants. Fredrick came into contact with Action10 three years ago through one of his clients. Action10 founder Cecilia met with one of his customers while she was wearing one of Fredrick’s creations and was impressed by the beautiful tailoring and design.

When Covid-19 started, Fredrick received his first loan through Action10 to boost his tailoring business. Then Kenya went into lockdown, which affected his sales drastically.

Covid-19 hasn’t been Fredrick’s only challenge. He explains that Kenyan society is gravely affected by politics and that people are less inclined to spend money when there is a political election, which there was in August 2022. Uncertainty about the future leads to less consumption.

Fredrick hopes that when the election period ends, he will get his business to blossom. He wants to focus on his marketing strategies, something Action10’s Kenya team will assist with. Fredrick aims to develop his social media channels and open an online store. In the long run, he plans to hire people to help with the increased demand for his pieces, which he hopes will come with an online shop. Fredrick explains he might face competition from the fast fashion industry and imported clothes from China. Still, creating custom pieces to the desires of his customers is his excellent selling point."

Links:

• Human Rights & Science - Project Link