The Kazuri Story

THE KAZURI STORY

In 1975, Lady Susan Wood set up a fledgling business making beads in a small shed in her back garden. She started by hiring two disadvantaged women, and quickly realized there were many more women who were in need of jobs and so Kazuri Beads (Swahili for small and beautiful) was created outside Nairobi, Kenya on the former coffee plantation of Karen Blixen (of Out of Africa fame). In 1988, Kazuri became a factory and hugely expanded with over 120 women and men. Today, it continues its long and successful journey as a help center for over 300 needy women, especially single mothers who have no other source of income.

Here women are trained and apply their skills to produce these unique and beautiful beads and jewelry. The beads are made with clay from the Mt Kenya area thus giving them authenticity to their craft. The factory acts as a social gathering place with the hum of voices continuing throughout the day. With unemployment so high, one jobholder often ends up providing for an "extended family" of 20 more. Kazuri is a member of the Fair Trade Act.

Kazuri's beautifully finished products are made to an international standard and are sold worldwide. These standards are maintained through high training standards and a highly motivated management team.

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