Thousands of female pastoralists amass fortunes by selling handmade bead jewelry

Thousands of female pastoralists amass fortunes by selling handmade bead jewelry

In the pastoralist counties of Kenya, a successful beadwork business is making waves, empowering over 1,200 women from nine tribes across four counties—Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu, and Marsabit—to earn millions annually through traditional beadwork. These women, active members of nine community conservancies supported by Northern Rangelands Trust, are not only supporting their families but also contributing to environmental conservation initiatives [2][5].

One shining example is Pamela Murijo, the leader of nine bead makers at Ngarendare, who started her business after trainings conducted by MashinaniWORKS. Another notable figure is Alice Ngitira, a young Kenyan entrepreneur who was honoured with the 2025 Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award for her thriving beadwork business [1][3].

BeadWORKS, the bead-making project spearheaded by MashinaniWORKS, provides the women with beads, needles, strings, and other materials needed for their bead items at no cost. The women receive their money every Friday, easing the pressure on their husbands who are herders. The star beader receives mobile money on behalf of other members every Friday [4].

The women's income supports their families and contributes to conservation efforts in their communities. Last year, BeadWORKS had approximately Sh30m of sales of beaded products, with customers from the US and Europe. The women contribute five percent of their earnings to their respective community conservancies, with the contributions used for education, water, and other community projects [6].

Beyond income generation, the bead-making business is helping to pull families out of poverty and reduce early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The women are sharing their income to support their families, contributing to the reduction of FGM practices and early marriages [7].

In recognition of their high-quality bead items, 103 star bead workers were awarded on Tuesday. The women have dedicated a significant portion of their earnings towards supporting conservation efforts and community development projects, donating over Kshs 4.6 million (about USD 46,000) in the recent past [2][5].

This initiative is part of broader women-led enterprise programs that blend traditional craftsmanship with business and digital skills, enabling sustained income generation and fostering self-reliance. They also actively integrate conservation support, showing how cultural heritage and environmental stewardship can be intertwined for community benefit [4][5].

1. This successful beadwork business in Kenya's pastoralist counties has empowered over 1,200 women across four counties to earn millions annually.
2. The active members of nine community conservancies, supported by Northern Rangelands Trust, are not only supporting their families but also contributing to environmental conservation initiatives.
3. Pamela Murijo, a leader of nine bead makers at Ngarendare, started her business after trainings provided by MashinaniWORKS.
4. Alice Ngitira, a young Kenyan entrepreneur, was honored with the 2025 Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award for her thriving beadwork business.
5. BeadWORKS, the bead-making project spearheaded by MashinaniWORKS, provides the women with necessary materials for their bead items at no cost.
6. The women receive their money every Friday, alleviating the pressure on their husbands who are herders.
7. The star beader receives mobile money on behalf of other members every Friday.
8. The women's income supports their families and contributes to conservation efforts in their communities.
9. Last year, BeadWORKS had approximately Sh30m of sales of beaded products, with customers from the US and Europe.
10. The women contribute five percent of their earnings to their respective community conservancies, with the contributions used for education, water, and other community projects.
11. Beyond income generation, the bead-making business is helping to pull families out of poverty and reduce early marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
12. In recognition of their high-quality bead items, 103 star bead workers were awarded recently.
13. This initiative is part of broader women-led enterprise programs that combine traditional craftsmanship with business and digital skills, fostering self-reliance, sustained income generation, and conservation support.

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