In a bid to merge sustainability with artisanal skill, a woman in the vibrant Kibuye market of Kisumu city is establishing her brand by transforming waste into valuable products.
She specializes in producing durable and environmentally friendly footwear from discarded tyres.
This innovative initiative not only tackles the problem of tyre waste but also offers affordable footwear options to the local community.
Her craftsmanship showcases a novel approach to recycling, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional shoe production while bolstering the local economy.
Jackline Atieno recounted that the inspiration for her venture came years ago as she observed her sister’s successful craftsmanship business, which was surrounded by heaps of waste tyres that were largely ignored for recycling.
Recognizing a potential opportunity, she began to experiment with the resilient and flexible material, ultimately designing shoes that are both economical and durable.
“I got influenced by the creative nature of my sister, which over the years triggered my interest and effort for the foreseen source of income. I regularly sharpened my skills through learning by observation from the daily procession of the footwear. It is through this that I fully ventured into the business,” she said.
Since the establishment of her tyre-based footwear enterprise, she noted that it has transformed from a modest stall operation into a well-known brand in Kisumu County.
Atieno mentioned that over the years, she has enhanced her designs to meet diverse preferences, producing a variety of styles that attract a broad customer base.
The sandals, commonly referred to as Akala, along with slip-ons, are particularly favored due to their robust durability, rendering them ideal for daily use in the challenging landscapes of rural Kenya.
“Majority of rural-based residents prefer these types of footwear over the rest because of their durability and resistance to harsh weather in some parts of the region,” she said.
The journey towards achieving business success has encountered various challenges, particularly in the time-consuming process of sourcing used tyres that adhere to the necessary standards for thickness and flexibility.
“I acquire raw materials from the Jua Kali industry, but once in a while I get low-quality materials that do not meet customers’ demand,” she said.
Despite these hurdles, she guarantees the durability of her footwear by handcrafting each pair and ensuring the material is meticulously prepared.
In a community characterized by scarce job opportunities, the influence of her enterprise reaches far beyond her individual achievements, positioning her as a symbol of hope for others.
“I fully depend on this business as a source of family income. It caters for my children’s school fees, monthly rents, and upkeep. The cheapest product I make retails at Sh150 while the most expensive goes at Sh500 depending on the customer’s demand,” she said.
Atieno stated that the revenue generated from her business enables her to support her family while simultaneously contributing to the local economy.
Her dedication to environmental sustainability is embedded in the foundation of her business model, which involves recycling tires that would otherwise lead to pollution.
She emphasized that by harmonizing the financial and environmental dimensions of her enterprise, she remains aware of her ecological footprint and makes deliberate choices to minimize waste during the production process.
“The remnants are used to make other items like wired-toy cars, thereby helping to conserve the environment,” she said.
