Who We Are
Punonta Limited Kenya is a proudly Kenyan subsidiary of the Finnish company Mifuko, which specialises in producing handwoven baskets and wooden decorations. We operate in the counties of Makueni, Machakos and Kitui, and our artisan network brings timeless Kenyan craftsmanship to global markets. In August 2026, our Kenyan network comprised 35 groups and 993 artisans, of whom 866 worked on orders regularly and 127 occasionally.
The company is responsible for production coordination, quality control, warehousing, sample development and logistics. Punonta employs 16 dedicated team members and is proudly led by two women, Ruth Kalondu and Victoria Ndile. They ensure that Mifuko’s values are upheld throughout the production process.
ARTISANS AT THE HEART OF OUR WORK
Artisans and long-term partnerships with them are at the heart of Punonta’s work. Many of the women in our network live in rural areas of Kenya, where basket weaving offers an opportunity to earn income within their own communities and fit work around everyday life.
The artisans work in local self-help groups through which training is organised, production is coordinated and cooperation between groups is strengthened.
Impact highlights:
- Artisans are offered training in craft production.
- 35 self-help groups work with Punonta and receive regular training.
- Artisans have reported using their weaving income for basic needs, school fees, savings and other income-generating activities, among other uses.
- Artisans also report increased self-confidence, financial independence and standing within their communities, as well as new leadership roles.
How We Work
Our artisan network follows the Kenyan self-help group model. Each group is led by women and operates independently: the groups make decisions, manage orders and share skills among their members. Regular training supports product quality and the groups’ activities.
Production uses local materials and traditional craft methods. In Mifuko’s 2024 carbon footprint assessment, a zero emission factor was applied to the raw material stage of several materials used in the products, such as elephant grass, milulu grass, palm leaves and jacaranda wood. Transport emissions were calculated separately. Mifuko assesses greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and value chain and uses the results to develop its activities.
The products bring together traditional Kenyan weaving techniques and the artisans’ skills with Mifuko’s Finnish design.
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