Demolitions threaten survival of Nairobi handicraft artisans

Under the scorching Nairobi sun, artisans from the Nairobi Handicraft Cooperative Society are struggling to survive after their workshops were demolished following the government directive to rid structures near riparian land.

The society, once a bustling hub of creativity, now lies in ruins, leaving many in debt, unable to salvage their raw materials and others living in fear of another round of looming demolitions.

David Kilonzo, the Nairobi Handicraft Cooperative Society chairperson, expressed his deep concern over the devastating impact of the first demolition.

"We lost over Sh10 million when our workshops were destroyed, and now we're hearing about another looming demolition that could leave over 800 people jobless and without any source of income," said Kilonzo.

Some of the workers at Nairobi Handicraft Cooperative Society on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

He highlighted the broader effects of the demolition. "Our customers are afraid to come here, which has greatly affected our sales since the first demolition. We're already struggling to stay afloat."

Kilonzo noted that the artisans do not live on the premises and urged the government to reconsider its plans.

"These are just our workshops. We don’t live here. We're appealing to the government to be considerate. Some structures have been earmarked for another round of demolition," he pleaded.

Despite the challenges, the society has tried preserving the Nairobi River by planting trees. "Our customers include both local traders and international tourists who support us. But now they don’t come because they think we’re closed. This handicraft centre supplies the whole country and provides jobs to many, boosting the economy," Kilonzo added.

Stephen Mwendwa at the facility holding his wares on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Stephen Mwendwa, a 50-year-old artisan who has worked at the society for 30 years, shared his despair. "I've lost close to Sh1 million. Now we’re left without structures to protect us from the hot sun and the relentless rain that’s destroying our wares."

Mwendwa noted that they have no choice but to endure the harsh conditions in hopes of putting some food on the table.

"Before the demolition, we had orders. Customers don’t care that there was a demolition; they want their orders. Despite the losses, we have to keep pushing," he said.

The looming threat of a second demolition adds to their anxiety. "If another demolition happens, this place will be unsustainable, and we’ll be forced to go home."

Angela Titus, painting a crafted boat at Nairobi Handicraft Cooperative Society on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Angela Titus, who now paints items in the open, shared her frustration with The Eastleigh Voice. "Since the demolition, we've just been working outside, but we've already suffered great losses. If they come back for a second round of demolitions, we'll lose our livelihoods," she said.

Angela, an employed labourer, has seen her life improve significantly since she started working at the society. "I can pay school fees and feed my children. Finding work is difficult in Kenya, and now that I have a place, it pains me to think that it might come to an end if there's a second demolition."

Erastus Mwongela, a supervisor at the society, echoed these frustrations. "I wish we had been informed about the extent of the 30-meter mark so we could have prepared and moved our items. But they just came and started destroying structures," he said.

Mwongela fears that a second demolition would spell the end for the society. "Some of our members have already lost both their homes and businesses. Many are now jobless and homeless," he said.

People come to us hoping for solutions, but we're left stranded as the second demolition looms," she added.

David Musau, a 69-year-old who has worked at the facility for over 37 years on May 29, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki).

For more than fifty years, the Nairobi Handicraft Cooperative Society has been a cornerstone of the community. Established in 1970, the Nairobi Handicraft Cooperative Society has been a sanctuary for artisans, supporting over 800 employed and self-employed members. The society offers training, marketing support, and workspace, charging non-registered members a nominal fee of Sh100.

Many traders who joined the society as young men are now grappling with the devastating effects of demolitions, facing the daunting prospect of starting over from scratch and losing their livelihoods. Others are thinking of returning to their rural home.

Earlier this week, government officials earmarked some buildings set for demolition. If carried out, this demolition could devastate the entire community. The first demolition, which took place on May 23, affected hundreds of residents and caused millions in losses.