Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Kool Shangas is a beading business that aims to educate over 200 girls from the Maasai Mara region by 2030. We reinvest 20% of our monthly revenue made from our Bead on Safari workshops and the sale of beaded accessories in Mauritius for this purpose.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Did you know that only 48% of Maasai girls in Kenya are enrolled in primary school? Kool Shangas aims to change this narrative by reinvesting 20% of our monthly revenue into educating the next generation of Maasai girls. This revenue will be made from our innovative Bead on Safari workshops, where Maasai women beaders guide tourists at nearby safari camps through the history and techniques of Maasai beading. In addition, we currently operate an online shop where we sell beaded products made by Maasai women in Mauritius. To date, we have amassed USD 889 through these sales, which directly supports our educational mission. We hope that through our initiative, we will create a sustainable impact on the lives of over 200 young girls in our local community.

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

The problem we aim to address is "Why is it so hard for Maasai women to make reliable income other than the estimated $49 monthly from beading?". This translates to selling about 20 beaded bracelets per month, often resulting in no income on certain days. Currently, the only market Maasai Women have for their beading products is limited to outside the gates of national parks or game reserves and local market days. This is further worsened by the fact that the local market around Narok and Kajiado counties are saturated with many beading artisans which leads to reduced prices of the beading accessories, making it even harder for these women to earn a sustainable income. Our approach not only prevents the women’s struggles under the scorching sun but also expands their market beyond the Maasai Mara Region.

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

Our solution aims to change the livelihoods of young girls and women of the Maasai Mara region through educational support and economic empowerment respectively. As a result, we will contribute to addressing the gender inequality that renders most females in our community unemployed, uneducated, and victims of early marriages. Moreover, our workshops that will be included in tourists’ packages will offer them an immersive cultural experience, which will promote a deeper appreciation for Maasai traditions and craftsmanship that is often overlooked.

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

As indicated in earlier questions, Maasai women and girls will be the beneficiaries of this project

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2021-10-01

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

Barbara Naserian is an esteemed tour guide at Emboo River Camp, bringing valuable skills and experience to our team. With her extensive knowledge of the Maasai Mara region and its tourism industry, Barbara plays a crucial role in connecting Kool Shangas with other safari camps and hotels. Her established relationships and networking capabilities will help us expand our Bead on Safari workshops, increasing opportunities for Maasai women to showcase their craftsmanship and engage with tourists.

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/kool_shangas/

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Social Enterprise

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

With most Maasai women earning an average of just $49 monthly from beading, there's a pressing need to broaden their market access. However, many lack essential business skills, hindering their ability to expand into new markets, negotiate fair deals, and explore investment opportunities. Consequently, they struggle to generate sufficient income to meet their needs. Kool Shangas addresses this challenge by connecting them to global markets, reaching tourists visiting Kenya and clients in Mauritius. By facilitating access to these diverse markets, we ensure that their products are not sold solely at local market prices. This expanded revenue stream directly combats poverty, empowering these women to achieve financial stability and independence.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Kool Shangas recognizes the significant challenge of limited access to quality education for Maasai girls, with only 48% enrolled in primary schools and a mere 5% able to advance to high school. We believe every girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams without being hindered by resource constraints or parental decisions. The Kool Shangas Education Care program provides Maasai girls with access to quality education, empowering them to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Through the program, girls can apply for support that includes tuition fees, school supplies, and mentorship, ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive academically.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

In many African communities, gender disparities persist, limiting opportunities for women and girls. Kool Shangas is committed to challenging these inequalities by employing women beaders and providing scholarships to girls in the Maasai community, enabling them to pursue their aspirations without discrimination.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

In many regions, including the Maasai Mara, disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and basic services persist, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. Our initiatives aim to address these disparities by empowering marginalized groups, particularly Maasai women and girls.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The collective experience of our team members, who have previously worked with safari camps and have deep roots in the Lolgorian, Transmara area, provides a solid foundation for fostering strong partnerships with the local community. These existing partnerships not only demonstrate our commitment to the community but also facilitate trust and collaboration. By leveraging these partnerships, Kool Shangas enhances our capacity to implement sustainable development initiatives effectively.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

Our Bead on Safari workshop is a fresh perspective in offering Maasai women other sources of income. Moreover, by tapping into the international markets of Mauritius, we create new opportunities for income generation and cultural exchange.

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

Our sole competitor for the Bead on Safari business is Pristine Travel and Trails. They are based Arusha, Tanzania which leaves us at an advantage due to the geographical differences. Our service is different from theirs in terms of the mobility aspect of it, that is, we focus on utilizing our current connections with safari camps to have an assured list of clientele. In their case, bookings can only be made directly on their website.

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

Yes. Our artisans will solely be women artisans in the Maasai Mara region.