Clearance Sale - Save 30%

Regular $33.00   Sale $23.10

Approx. 22cm

The Kenana Knitting Story…

At the foot of the beautiful foothills which form the Western wall of Kenya’s magnificent Great Rift Valley, lays the tranquil farming community of Njoro. There, a group of Kenyan women buy homespun yarn, which they wash, mothproof and hand knit into wonderful stuffed animals and accessories.

Despite the beauty of the surroundings, life can be hard. Unemployment runs 60-80% and those who have work are respected and looked to for the support of their extended families. Agricultural work is easier for the men to come by than for the women-folk. So, in 1998, Kenana Knitters was formed with the social aim of giving much needed income to local families.

Starting with just a dozen women, the group now numbers over two hundred members. Many more women are eager to join as the sales increase. Most never had the opportunity of an education and knitting is ideal work – it requires minimal equipment and the money earned can purchase the necessities of life. The yarn comes in various shades of cream, brown and gray – just like the multi-coloured local sheep that produce the wool. Pure vegetable dyes, obtained from the roots, flowers and leaves of local plants, are also used to add some colour and interest.

The women gather together daily to knit and the speed of their flying fingers is not affected by the constant buzz of conversation. They are very good at what they do and enjoy their work. Each lady signs her name to the card that accompanies each animal she knits.

We are delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference in so many lives with the simple act of purchasing their beautiful products. The Kenana project is another example of where we, as consumers,can empower people through creativity.