KSG Partners with State Department for Culture and Heritage to Transform Ushanga Kenya Initiative into Sustainable Social Enterprise

 

The Kenya School of Government (KSG) has partnered with the State Department for Culture and Heritage to help transform the Ushanga Kenya Initiative into a thriving social enterprise. Today, KSG Director General, Prof. Nura Mohamed, alongside a team of consultants, met with the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Culture and Heritage, Ms. Ummi Bashir, CBS, and her team to discuss strategies aimed at making the initiative a sustainable and income-generating venture for women and youth in select counties.

The Ushanga Kenya Initiative, which celebrates and promotes the rich cultural heritage of beadwork and other traditional crafts, has already gained significant traction in various parts of Kenya. However, through this new collaboration, KSG and the State Department for Culture and Heritage aim to formalize and expand the initiative, turning it into a successful social enterprise that provides economic empowerment for local communities, particularly women and youth.

During the meeting, both parties outlined a comprehensive strategy focused on three key areas: developing a robust policy framework for the sector, building essential infrastructure to support production, and enhancing capacity-building efforts for grassroots stakeholders. These efforts are designed to empower artisans by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to scale their businesses.

Additionally, the collaboration will work toward creating local and international market opportunities for the products produced under the Ushanga Kenya initiative, ensuring that the crafts reach a wider audience and generate sustainable income streams for the artisans involved.

Speaking after the meeting, Prof. Nura Mohamed expressed optimism about the potential impact of the partnership, stating, “This initiative has the power to transform the livelihoods of women and youth in rural Kenya, and we are committed to creating a sustainable model that will ensure long-term success.”

Ms. Ummi Bashir also emphasized the importance of cultural preservation through economic empowerment. “By harnessing the power of our cultural heritage, we not only preserve our traditions but also create opportunities for economic growth and job creation in communities across Kenya,” she said.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards realizing the full potential of the Ushanga Kenya Initiative, with plans for pilot projects and a detailed action plan to be rolled out in the coming months. Both KSG and the State Department for Culture and Heritage remain committed to making the initiative a key player in Kenya’s broader economic development strategy, particularly in rural and marginalized areas.

February 21, 2025