How bead work evolved from being symbolic to fashionable

The beading industry has transformed from a marginalized craft into a vibrant sector within the creative economy, generating significant revenue through exports, empowering many artisans, particularly women and creating job opportunities.

In Nakuru County, a hub for high-quality handmade products, this industry has taken root.

In a modest lane of Nakuru City’s bustling Maasai market, Bethsheba Mushama, a resident who once relied on small tasks and worked as a laundress, has turned beadwork into a life-changing source of income.

Inspired by a close friend, Bethsheba ventured into beadwork. She spent time with her friend, watched her create beautiful pieces, and gradually developed an interest that blossomed into a passion, eventually becoming her full-time job.

“I observed my friend at her home and saw how she earned good money from beadwork. I became curious, and as time went on, I developed a strong interest that has now turned into my full-time job,” she explained.

Bethsheba also teaches young people beadwork as a way to create job opportunities and expand the industry.

“Beadwork among the Maasai and Kikuyu communities has long been more than decoration; it is a language that conveys meaning. Each colour and pattern holds a specific significance, so we strive to understand and meet every customer’s needs,” she shared.

For generations, beadwork in Kenya has been more than mere ornamentation; it has served as a language and a symbol of pride.

In communities like the Samburu and Turkana, every colour, thread, and pattern tells its own story.

Beads were not chosen at random; for example, red symbolizes bravery, strength, and unity, while white signifies peace and purity related to milk, an essential part of pastoral lives.

Blue reflects the sky and rain, representing life and energy, and green signifies fertility and growth, tied to the land and livestock.

These beads were worn purposefully, marking rites of passage, marital status, mourning, and social class.

However, as culture intertwined with modernity, beadwork began to evolve. What was once solely for ceremonies and special occasions is now seen on fashion runways, at weddings, and on city streets.

Beads have transitioned from sacred symbols to stylish statements, adorning bags, earrings, and even corporate fashion.

Today, beadwork is not only a nod to heritage but also a powerful economic tool.

Many artisans, particularly youth and women, have transformed this age-old craft into a thriving business, blending traditional designs with modern trends to create pieces appealing to both local and international markets.

While some original symbolism may have faded in everyday use, the spirit of bead work remains vibrant, resilient, and endlessly expressive.

In every thread and colour lies a story—a memory of the past and a vision for the future, created bead by bead.

Bethsheba can weave a bracelet in as little as an hour and spend a day creating beaded bags. She has expanded her offerings to include belts, earrings, key chains, and beaded embroidery on dresses.

She adjusts her designs according to market trends to attract customers throughout different seasons.

 However, she faces challenges, such as the high cost of acquiring raw materials and instances where customers pay minimal deposits but later fail to collect their orders.

Finding a steady market for her bead work remains a significant challenge, as she relies on word of mouth and occasional events to sell her pieces.

Bethsheba sources her raw materials from Nairobi, ordering them to be delivered via parcels, which often increases her production costs due to transportation fees.

“Social media has given me a powerful platform to showcase and sell my products to a wider audience,” she stated.

On a good day, she can earn up to a thousand, with her monthly income reaching as high as 28,000, depending on demand and customer flow.

Bethsheba encourages other young people to follow their passions and utilize their talents to foster self-reliance.

“Putting your talent to work can take you places and offer job opportunities that traditional employment may not,” she revealed.

Lucas Aligo Osoro, another Nakuru resident from Kisii, began beadwork two years after relocating to Nakuru in 1994.

 “I have transitioned from carving strength into solid forms to weaving beauty into beads, which has been a delicate evolution of creativity, and it's the best decision I ever made,” Osoro remarked.

Lucas sources his materials from local shanga shops in Nakuru, but when he has enough capital, he places bulk orders from suppliers in Nairobi to access a wider variety and often better prices.

He receives orders for musical and cultural events and weddings. Despite not being exposed to online platforms, he can sell his items to tourists and locals.