Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers | Nanyuki

Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers is a women's cooperative based in Nanyuki, Kenya, founded in 1977. The cooperative was established as a means of empowering women in the region, particularly widows and single mothers, by providing them with skills in spinning, weaving, and knitting. Through these skills, the women can create high-quality handcrafted products, which serve as a source of income and economic independence. The cooperative is one of the most significant examples of social empowerment initiatives in Kenya and has helped many women improve their lives and support their families.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers is to empower women by providing them with skills and training that allow them to generate sustainable income. The cooperative aims to uplift women from marginalized communities, especially those facing economic hardships, by teaching them the art of wool spinning, dyeing, and weaving. This empowerment initiative also focuses on improving the women’s social status and providing financial independence.

Since its inception, the cooperative has trained over 280 women, helping them acquire skills that not only support their livelihoods but also improve their quality of life. Many women involved in the cooperative have been able to educate their children, build homes, and achieve financial independence, with some even acquiring land.

Products and Craftsmanship

Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers is known for its high-quality, handcrafted wool products, which are made using traditional techniques passed down through generations. These items include:

Handwoven Carpets: The cooperative produces beautiful wool carpets that are crafted with intricate designs, making each piece unique.

Shawls: Soft and durable wool shawls that are both functional and stylish.

Cardigans and Pullovers: These cozy and stylish garments are made from the finest wool and come in a range of designs.

Throws and Bed Covers: These large, woven wool blankets are designed to provide warmth and comfort, ideal for colder climates.

Scarves: Handwoven scarves that are both elegant and practical, made with a variety of patterns and colors.

All of the products are made using wool sourced from the local area, particularly from sheep in the highlands near Mount Kenya. This wool is spun, dyed, and woven by the women in the cooperative, often using natural dyes and materials.

Infrastructure and Development

The cooperative began in modest conditions, and over the years, it has received support from various local and international organizations to grow its operations. In the early days, the American Embassy in Kenya and the Presbyterian Church of America helped fund the construction of the cooperative's building and provided equipment. This support allowed the cooperative to start its operations and train women in essential skills like spinning, weaving, and knitting.

In subsequent years, the cooperative expanded its facilities. This included the construction of:

A washing and dyeing room for preparing the wool.

A weaving house, where the spinning and weaving processes are carried out.

An administration block to manage the cooperative's operations and provide space for meetings and planning.

More recently, in 2020, Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers partnered with The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) and NAMA Women Advancement Establishment to build a new workshop. This expansion has allowed the cooperative to enhance its training programs and support even more women in the community. Through this collaboration, orphaned children of the women in the cooperative were also supported with educational opportunities, helping to improve their futures.

Community Impact

Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers has had a profound impact on the local community by providing women with a means to support their families and improve their living standards. Many of the women involved in the cooperative were previously struggling with poverty, and through the skills they have acquired, they have been able to gain economic independence and create better lives for themselves and their children.

The cooperative’s success has also inspired similar initiatives in other regions, encouraging the growth of women-led businesses and artisan cooperatives throughout Kenya. By focusing on sustainable practices and skills development, Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers has helped create long-term positive change in the lives of many women.

Visiting and Purchasing Products

While the cooperative does not have an online store, visitors are encouraged to visit the center in Nanyuki to purchase handcrafted items directly from the artisans. The products are available for sale at the cooperative's premises, and guests can learn more about the women behind the work and the skills involved in the production process.

Additionally, some of the cooperative’s items, such as handwoven wool rugs, are available on online platforms like Etsy, providing an opportunity for a wider audience to purchase and support the cooperative's work.

For those unable to visit in person, reaching out through email or social media channels is another way to inquire about purchasing items or supporting the cooperative in other ways.

How to Get Involved or Support

People interested in supporting Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers can do so by:

Purchasing their products: Buying handcrafted items not only supports the women in the cooperative but also helps sustain the cooperative's operations.

Donating: Donations can help fund training programs, expand the cooperative's facilities, or provide further support for the women and their families.

Spreading the word: Promoting the cooperative’s work on social media or among friends and family helps raise awareness and encourages more people to support the initiative.

Conclusion

Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers represents a powerful example of how craftsmanship and community-based businesses can empower women, help reduce poverty, and create a sustainable future. By purchasing handmade products or supporting the cooperative in other ways, you contribute to the economic independence of these women and the continuation of this meaningful initiative.