Shortly after independence, Kenya developed a philosophy that has been carried from one politician to the next, called in Swahili “Harambee” and which roughly translated means “Self-Help”. One of the best examples of this is the Nanyuki Weavers.

Located outside the burgeoning little town of Nanyuki on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, the project was started shortly after independence and today is world renown. The woolen rugs, decorative wall hangings, and shawls that are fabricated from Mt. Kenya’s prime sheep are now sold all over the world. Designed to assist single, unemployed mothers, the project now includes the weaving center, a school and dispensary and even a small farm for raising the sheep. Today about 100 young, single moms depend upon the facility for their only income.