Radically sustainable

We are proud to call ourselves supporters of radical sustainability, a form of "grass roots" sustainability that advocates and supports autonomous development, indigenous movements, women’s rights, social justice and green practices.

For Mifuko customers (that’s you!), each product is a unique piece that weaves together classic Nordic design, traditional Kenyan handcraft and the story of a strong, independent woman whose signature you will find on the label. Our focus is on women in Kenya because, like in many countries, gender inequality is an issue. Empowering women is an effective way to improve overall living standards. In addition to providing extra income, through self-help groups and the Mifuko Trust, we contribute to the overall wellbeing of the community.

Economic Impact

In Kenya, climate change has led to recurring droughts making farming, traditionally the primary source of income and sustenance, an unreliable foundation for a stable livelihood. Many of the artisans we work with face this dilemma. The income they earn from Mifuko helps ensure families are fed and cared for when crops can no longer provide security.

With the extra income, artisans can better withstand the financial stress of unpredictable farming. For some, working with Mifuko has become their most important source of income. They use the money to send their children to school and buy products or services from others in their villages.

Social Impact

Mifuko is a social enterprise that fuses Nordic design with African handicraft. Our products bring joy and utility to customers while empowering women in rural areas of Kenya. A great deal of our social impact comes from women’ self-help groups.

Environmental Impact

Throwaway fashion and home décor is a trend we hope to end. We are in the business of producing handmade, high quality products that serve their purpose for a long, long time. The materials used in Mifuko products are locally sourced from Kenya, both to promote sustainable Kenyan industries and to minimize transportation emissions.

Self-help groups

All Mifuko´s products are handmade in Kenya by artisans who belong to women’s self-help groups. Mifuko works with over two dozen self-help groups, which are formed for various purposes, but a common reason is to save money.

Group members contribute to a common fund that they supervise and share together. This financial arrangement is significant because of the very limited access to financial institutions. The self-help groups also provide essential social support. The group meetings, usually held once a week, strengthen social security through personal bonds and offer a safe space to ask questions and to learn from others.

Sustainability report

When we started compiling our Sustainability Report 2020, our first complete sustainability report, our primary goal was to share our sustainability achievements and our diverse work in sub-Saharan Africa. The global pandemic increased the meaning of our work. Covid-19 pandemic's impact has been difficult both economically and socially in Africa, but our artisans have , our on-going work has taken on even more meaning. The social and economic impact of the pandemic is severe, yet there’s hope.

Mifuko is determined to be a part of building a better, sustainable future. We want to contribute to solving the issues humanity faces, such as poverty, gender inequality, pollution and loss of biodiversity. You can read the full report from the further reading link.

Sustainability