Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

A project aimed at bringing together women and men from diverse marginalized communities to equip them with handicraft skills and materials so that they can produce a wide range of modern and traditional crafts that meet various market demands.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Jumuiya creatives is a project aimed at bringing together indigenous women from their diverse backgrounds, especially underprivileged women and men from marginalized communities, to equip them with handicraft skills and materials so that they can produce a wide range of crafts both traditional and modern that meet various market demands. By acting as a linkage to the market, we not only shine light on their skills but also improve their livelihoods. These crafts provide income for the artisans and their communities hence fostering economic growth and empowerment.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

a) Lack of women empowerment - Our main aim is empowering people especially women and the girl child. Women in communities like the samburu people of northern Kenya have been victims of the adverse effects of climate change crisis like cattle rustling and banditry where they are displaced, raped, maimed and even murdered on other instances. Jumuiya collaborates with the survivors and other women groups to provide a means of livelihood for them through creation of handicraft items. We also act as a linkage to the market. This will provide a means of livelihood for these communities hence fostering economic development and also enhance their ability to depend on themselves. b) Industrialization and modernization - Due to emerging industries, machine-made goods have replaced handicraft items. To handle this, we create unique traditional and modern designs that meet specific market demands. c) Exploitation - Women have been exploited by other traders. We offer them a fare wage.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

a) Handicraft items contribute to the "go green" world initiative- they are sustainable and eco-friendly. These items are often made from natural, biodegradable materials, reducing the environmental impact compared to mass-produced goods. By choosing handicraft items, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and support local artisans who prioritize sustainable practices. The future is green and we are producing products ready for that. b) Unique items: We create a variety of traditional and modern designs for specific audiences so that they can be able to meet the standards fit for the modern competitive market. c) Fosters creativity and cultural appreciation- Unlike mass-produced items, handmade goods carry a distinct charm and character that cannot be replicated. This uniqueness adds a special touch to the items, setting them apart from the crowd. d) High quality and durability-We invest time and effort into creating products of superior quality. e) Managing waste and polution.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

It's a win win situation for all stakeholders. a) Communities - We'll equip them with handicraft skills and materials so that they can come up with marketable traditional and modern designs fit for the competitive world. b) The Jumuiya creatives - Act as a linkage to the market. c) The market (customers) - Benefit from the unique items.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-01-05

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Business Associate. Skills: Business management, 8 years experience.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://www.instagram.com/jumuiya_creatives?igsh=MjkzeGZqNjZtZDVv

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

a) Improved livelihoods - The project provides a source of income to people in these communities by equipping them with handicraft skills and materials so that they can come up with designs fit for the competitive world. b) Empowering women- Our main aim is empowering people especially women. Women in communities like the samburu in Kenya have been victims of the adverse effects of climate change like drought. Once we put our focus on them we not only provide a source of income for them but also improving their livelihoods and community at large.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Women and children in marginalized communities like the samburu and turkana of northern Kenya have been victims of drought and poverty. Jumuiya aims at providing a means of livelihood for these women and men so that they can sustain themselves and their families. The handicraft industry provides employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas.

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Educating women on various handicraft skills for the market enhances equality and personal freedom for pastoralist women by ensuring they can be able to depend on themselves and their skills to sustain themselves. They'll also be able to pass on these skills to their future generations.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

6

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We focus on issues that affect Samburu women and their families such as the ramifications of child marriage and gender based violence which are brought about by the patriarchal society in which a woman is not allowed to work and sustain herself. By uniting both men and women and offering them opportunities in the handicraft industry, we not only equalize them but also improve their livelihoods.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

2

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

5

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

By promoting handicrafts and creative activity we help solve unemployment issues and utilize the creative potential of human capital. The handicraft industry is a major contributor to the economy in communities, Indigenous knowledge systems, such as the production of handicrafts, can bring economic development to underdeveloped regions in Kenya such as the samburu, kamba and Turkana.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

4

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

By implementing modern technology on the weaving and spinning process we not only save time but also produce quality products ready for the market. Jumuiya focuses on important changes, refinements, and extensions in the existing products or production processes to produce substantial, aesthetic, functional and symbolic products. The unique range of modern and traditional designs produced are not only marketable but also ready to compete with other products. These include modern home decor items and aesthetics.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Kenya is a growing country and supports local talent and skills. This enables us to even partner with other countries and work together.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

4

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By bringing people together we enhance unity among different people and communities hence resolve conflict to foster change .

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Handmade crafts are crafted with natural and sustainable materials, they are renewable resources that can be used over and over again without depletion, hence minimizing waste and reducing the negative impact of production on the planet. Artisans often utilize sustainable and eco-friendly materials, as well as traditional production methods that minimize waste and energy consumption. Additionally, the absence of large-scale manufacturing processes reduces pollution and environmental impact, making handmade goods a more environmentally conscious choice.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Through bringing the samburu and Turkana communities of Kenya together we not only unite them but also minimize the conflicts between them and make sure they are able to work together and solve the root cause of their conflicts.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

3

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

People working in the handicraft industry. We collaborate with communities to bring out unique modern and traditional designs to meet various designs. Jumuiya acts as a linkage to the market.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes I am. As a climate change activist and youth I envision a world where marginalized communities in Kenya will be granted privileges to sustain themselves and also by being an example I like to offer solutions to challenges such as poverty in samburu community of northern Kenya where I come from.