Maasai women get Sh120m beadwork centre at the Mara

A new era of opportunity is emerging for Maasai women with the construction of a state-of-the-art beadwork production centre at the Sekenani Gate of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Valued at Sh120 million and located in Siana Ward, Narok West, this facility is set to transform traditional craft into a thriving economic engine, offering renewed hope, dignity, and sustainable livelihoods to hundreds of women.

The centre is designed as a comprehensive hub for training, production, and marketing of authentic Maasai beadwork. It will provide local artisans—many of whom have relied on informal roadside sales—with structured support and access to broader markets, both local and international.

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu called the centre “a turning point” for the community.

“This marks a new chapter for Maasai women,” he said. “Beadwork is not just a cultural expression; it is a source of dignity and survival. This facility will preserve our traditions while unlocking real economic value.”

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For the women at the heart of this initiative, the centre represents more than just a workplace; it is a dream come true.

“We have always created beautiful beadwork, but many of us could only sell to tourists at open spaces along the roadside or at reserve entrances,” said Nayiarei Noonkipa, a mother of five from Sekenani village.“With this new centre, our work will reach the world. That means more income, respect, and better lives for our families.”

Peris Nasieku, a 28-year-old artisan from Siana, expressed her excitement about the training opportunities.

“I dropped out of school early, but I’ve always had a talent for beadwork. Now, I can learn how to improve my designs, earn a stable income,.”

Others echoed the hope that the centre will strengthen the community’s cultural identity while providing much-needed economic relief.

“This is a blessing,” said Mama Supayian, an elder who has been beading for over 30 years.

 “Beadwork is part of who we are as Maasai women. This centre shows that our traditions are valuable—not just for us, but for Kenya and the world.”Beyond providing direct support to artisans, the center is expected to increase household incomes and improve families’ access to education, healthcare, and food security.

The center’s location, near a central entry point to the Maasai Mara, also positions it as a cultural tourism attraction, bridging heritage with economic development.

The groundbreaking of this project, launched by President William Ruto last week, aligns with the national Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes grassroots empowerment and the integration of local culture into the country’s economic framework.

As the finishing touches are applied, the excitement is palpable. For many Maasai women, the beadwork center represents more than an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in their future.

“We are ready,” said Naanyu, smiling as she examined her latest design. “This is our time.”