kazuri

Kazuri, which means “small and beautiful” in Swahili, began in 1975 as a tiny workshop experimenting on making handmade beads. Kazuri started with two Kenyan women and soon discovered that there were many other women in the villages around Nairobi, most of whom were single mothers, who were in great need of regular employment. Driven by the desire to provide such opportunities, Kazuri has grown. Today, they have over 340 women skilled in the crafting of ceramic beads, strung into beautiful and artistic jewelry.

Kazuri's mission is to provide and sustain employment opportunities for disadvantaged members of Kenyan society, especially single mothers. 

Kazuri's unique range of pottery reflects the culture and wildlife of Kenya. Each piece, like each bead, is handmade and hand-painted in rich colors.

pssst. FUN FACT: The factory is located in what used to be part of the Karen Blixen Estate (of the Academy Award winning film “Out of Africa” fame).