馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Former Kenyan teacher builds thriving textile business from banana waste in Uganda
via Tuko2 min read
Dr. Kimani Muturi, a former Fine Arts teacher at Kapropita High School in Kenya, has established a successful textile enterprise in Uganda by converting discarded banana stems into eco-friendly products. After moving to Uganda to teach textile weaving at the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo now Kyambogo University, Dr. Muturi identified a shortage of textiles and recognized the potential in banana stems, which are typically discarded by farmers despite being rich in natural fibers. He developed a process to extract and transform these fibers into textile materials. His company, which started with a KSh10,000 investment, now employs 42 people and plans to increase its workforce to 60 by the end of 2026. The business produces African bags, carpets, and biodegradable hair extensions, which are sold locally in Uganda and exported internationally. This venture not only provides income for farmers but also creates employment opportunities and demonstrates how local resources can be used to address challenges and promote environmental sustainability.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadKenyan newspapers on Monday, July 6, highlighted the country's political developments, including President William Ruto's direct challenge to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua's claims about delivering the Mt Kenya vote in the 2022 General Election. Ruto stated he personally earned the region's support through extensive campaigns and direct engagement with voters, dismissing Gachagua's assertions and emphasizing his reliance on his own political experience, prayers, and track record. He also criticized divisive ethnic politics and urged leaders to focus on development. Meanwhile, former Attorney General Justin Muturi urged opposition leaders to stop delaying the selection of a joint presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, warning that prolonged indecision could strengthen President Ruto's chances. Muturi criticized the coalition's secrecy, arguing that Kenyans deserve clarity on who will carry the opposition's presidential flag. He dismissed claims that revealing the candidate early would expose them to political attacks and stated he would support Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka if he emerged as the consensus candidate. In other news, the High Court ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to jointly compensate a former university student KSh 8 million for police brutality and a prolonged denial of justice. The court found that Allan Omondi's constitutional rights were violated in a 2019 incident and faul
Must ReadVincent Osiemo, a supporter of the Linda Mwananchi movement, has died following a brutal assault during a rally in Kisii. Leaders of the movement allege that attackers, some reportedly supported by police, injured at least 20 people during the incident in the Keumbu area on the Kisii-Keroka Highway. Osiemo, known as Mapinduzi, was reportedly struck on the head and then attacked with sticks after falling from a campaign vehicle. Linda Mwananchi leaders condemned the violence, questioned police involvement, and demanded accountability. Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gesairo criticized the police, stating they were "part and parcel of what took place." Another leader emphasized that such incidents should not occur in modern society. The National Police Service has summoned Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda to the Kisii County DCI office as investigations into the violent chaos continue.
BreakingPresident William Ruto's motorcade was involved in an accident on the Embu-Meru Highway on Sunday, July 5, while en route to an event in Embu. The incident, which reportedly resulted in several injuries, occurred in Mutunduri when the motorcade collided with a private car. Emergency responders and members of the public assisted the injured, who were then transported to nearby health facilities. The crash caused traffic disruption, and witnesses claimed the private vehicle involved was speeding. The exact cause of the collision is currently under investigation.