The AHSCE Nairobi is based at the University of Nairobi. Its aim is to support the development of sustainable creative economies in Africa by fostering connections between higher education institutions and creative entrepreneurs, collecting and sharing career development stories, and strengthening the profile of research in creative economies. The focus of the Nairobi Hub is fashion. The lead project co-investigator is Ms. Ogake Mosomi. The Creative Partnership Coordinator is Ms. Waithira Kibuchi. Keep updated on AHSCE Nairobi activities reading the latest blogs below
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: Work in Progress
By Waithira Kibuchi When the ban on single-use plastic carrier bags in Kenya came into effect in 2017, the move met uproar and disbelief from both manufacturers and consumers. The former lamented the loss of income and jobs, while the latter regretted the loss of convenience. These carrier bags were cheap and easily accessible, but… - MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: Waste to WearBy Waithira Kibuchi Textiles are an indispensable part of human life. We use them to dress our bodies and our environments and have become so accustomed to their presence that we often take them for granted. If you are reading this now, you are most likely wearing clothing, and are in a room with upholstered…
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: VaziBy Waithira Kibuchi vazi/vazi/(Swahili)garment, item of clothingalso: nguo, kisua A popular and widespread stereotype in romantic relationships has it that girls never buy their hoodies – they prefer to ‘steal’ those that belong to their boyfriends. The affectionate gesture enables the couple to maintain an emotional connection even when not around each other. Another factor, however, is…
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: Enhancing Innovative Entrepreneurship Among the YouthBy Waithira Kibuchi The Kenyan economy, whose GDP accounts for 40% of the East African Community’s GDP, is often touted as an anchor in the region. This may be linked to factors such as the country’s relative political stability and a market-based economy. The country is renowned as a technological and financial hub and it…
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: A Bridal KiondooBy Waithira Kibuchi Many African customs are a hybrid mix of western and indigenous traditions that are so ingrained, their origins are no longer examined but accepted as just the way things are done. Marriage ceremonies in Kenya are a quintessential example of such customs. These ceremonies blend the indigenous dowry ceremony with wedding rites…
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: LUO WOMEN AND POWER IN FASHIONBy Waithira Kibuchi What comes into your mind when you hear the word ‘Luo’? Many people think of flamboyance and elegance, and popular urban myth designates ‘Luo’ not as a community, but as a lifestyle. The Luo are a Nilotic-speaking people who make up the fourth largest ethnic group in Kenya. They are also renowned…
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: MALI SAFIBy Waithira Kibuchi How much of your life do you spend thinking about clothes? A tiny fraction, if you are like most people. You may strive to dress appropriately for different contexts in your day-to-day life, but probably never think about how your clothes got made and found their way to your wardrobe. Clothing production…
- MEET THE NAIROBI HUB VOUCHER SCHEME RECIPIENTS: UNDAMETAUNDAMETA, A MARKETPLACE FOR AFRICAN-INSPIRED SURFACE PATTERN DESIGN By Waithira Kibuchi Ever wonder where the prints and patterns on your clothing came from? Dr Odundo certainly spent many hours as a child observing the prints worn by people around her during Sunday service. She and Teresa Lubano are collaborating on UndaMeta, which was selected for…
- Creative Imagination Weeks in Nairobi focus on technology and digital media in fashion
Written by Waithira Kibuchi, Creative Partnership Co-ordinator, AHSCE Nairobi The final themed workshop held on the 21st of June, 2022, reflected on the role of technology and digital media in the fashion industry in Kenya. The session was moderated by Ms Ogake Mosomi and featured two guest speakers. Mr Peng Chen is the Co-founder and… - Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Fashion in Kenya: Creative Imagination Weeks
Written by Waithira Kibuchi, Creative Partnership Co-ordinator, AHSCE Nairobi. The second themed workshop, held on the 17th of June 2022, focused on entrepreneurship and innovation in the fashion industry in Kenya. The session was moderated by Ms. Ogake Mosomi and featured two guest speakers. Mr. Bevern Oguk is a Creative Entrepreneur and Fashion Designer at… - Creative imagination week in Nairobi: Cultural Heritage and Identity in Fashion in Kenya
Written by Waithira Kibuchi, Creative Partnership Co-ordinator, AHSCE Nairobi. The first themed event held on the 14th of June, 2022 was focused on Kenyan cultural identity and heritage in fashion. The session was moderated by two guest speakers. Ms. Chepkemboi Mang’ira is a fashion artist and writer working to decolonise fashion by showcasing traditional Kenyan… - Nairobi AHSCE Creative Imagination Launch Event
The African Hub for Sustainable Creative Economies (AHSCE), Nairobi Hub, held its launch event on the 16th of May 2022. The event was attended by fashion designers and practitioners from Nairobi and broader Kenya. The event was opened by Dr. Samuel M. Maina and included an address by Mr Isaac Maluki, Deputy Chair of the board… - Welcome to AHSCE: NairobiThe AHSCE Nairobi is a collaborative project between King’s College London, University of Southampton, the University of Lagos, the University of Nairobi and the University of Witwatersrand. Its aim is to support the development of sustainable creative economies in Africa by fostering connections between higher education institutions and creative entrepreneurs, collecting and sharing career development stories,…