Makena Textile

This project satisfies the goals of promoting entrepreneurship and empowering women. Our work with the children of Makena ties in with literacy promotion.

Founded in 1979, Makena [Muh-KEN-uh] Textile is the only female-owned business in Meru, and we suspect it may be the only enterprise fully owned by women in the entire eastern province of Kenya. Makena (“Joy”) consists of 22 women, ranging in age from 36 to 75, who specialize in both African-style tie-die and working with wool. They are known for their rugs, but also make clothing, quilts, stuffed animals, purses, rug beanbags and a number of other things.

The majority of the women of Makena are the breadwinners for their families. Single parents or otherwise, they live within a society that places stigma on them (belief is that a man should earn primary income for the family) and doesn’t offer much employment opportunity for women over the age of 35.

Makena had been struggling for years and feared closing when MKM Foundation became involved. The Foundation started working with Makena in March of this year, and by August Makena’s sales had increased by approximately 600% (more detailed & exact figures later).

The women of Makena are experts in their craft and the quality of their products is exceptional: what cripples them is their lack of business knowledge. In addition to funding, MKM Foundation provides Makena with training in resource management and basic business/marketing skills. We visit the women on a weekly basis to talk about the successes or failures of new products/techniques and to discuss what steps need to be taken next.

Over the years, many of their children have dropped out of school for lack of money. The Foundation’s dream is to see these kids get the opportunity to continue their education. We plan to hold a training session for the children of Makena, teaching life skills and focusing on building confidence and self-esteem.

Our belief is that all they need to succeed is for someone to tell them what’s possible