The Kenana Knitters Story
In the beautiful foothills on the Western wall of Kenya's magnificent Great Rift Valley, lies the tranquil farming community of Njoro. There, a group of Kenyan women buy homespun yarn, which they wash, mothproof and hand knit into wonderful stuffed animals and accessories.

Despite the beauty of the surroundings, life can be hard. Unemployment runs at 60-80% and those who have work are respected for supporting their extended families. In 1998, Kenana Knitters was formed with the aim of giving much needed income to the local people, in particular the women of Njoro.

Starting with just a dozen women, the group now has nearly two hundred members. Many more knitters are eager to join as the sales increase. Most have never had the opportunity of a formal education. Knitting is ideal work - it requires minimal equipment and the money earned can be used to purchase the necessities of life. Wool is bought on a weekly basis from over 250 spinners. The yarn comes in various shades of cream, brown and gray - just like the multi coloured local sheep that produce the wool. Pure vegetable dyes, obtained from the roots, flowers and leaves of local plants are sometimes used to colour the yarn.

The women gather together daily to knit - the speed of their flying fingers unaffected by the constant buzz of conversation. These women are very good at what they do and enjoy their work. They proudly sign their names to the card that accompanies their work.

Funds generated by the Kenana Knitters group have been used to create a work area and office facilites. The group ethos is to expand the knowledge base and skills of all who are involved. Thus the purchase of newspapers, a radio, and contributions for the library are benefits derived from their industry. Voluntary counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS, monthly family planning services and saving schemes are available to all. There is a flourishing computer training scheme and many women are taking advantage of this opportunity to learn typing and keyboard skills. More recently, a schoolroom has been built and the project is in search of a teacher.


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