How firm's bid to turn waste into cash is paying off

Models usher in guest during Mpesa Sokoni festival on 2nd August 2025 at Mamboleo in Kisumu. [Michael Mute, Standard] On the shores of Lake Victoria, where water hyacinth often chokes fishing boats and piles of waste paper gather in the backstreets, two brothers saw an opportunity. At this year's M-Pesa Sokoni Festival in Kisumu, their eco-friendly business, Takawiri Craft Enterprise, was the talk of the crowd. Founded by Gabriel Onyango Okere and his brother Michael Otieno, Takawiri Craft has become a symbol of sustainable entrepreneurship in Migosi. Using waste paper collected from schools and cyber cafes, as well as water hyacinth pulled directly from the lake, the brothers transform discarded materials into gift bags, diaries, picture frames, and envelopes. "We saw how the lake was struggling with hyacinth and fishermen were suffering," Onyango said, arranging colourful handmade products on a wooden stall. "At the same time, waste paper was everywhere. Instead of seeing it as trash, we turned it into something valuable. By recycling, we keep the environment clean and also help save the fish." The journey has not been easy. Takawiri Craft began in 2007 but was forced to shut down during the post-election violence that followed later that year. In 2011, they revived the venture, determined to make it work. Over time, their products began attracting schools, offices, and tourists interested in sustainable crafts - a quiet movement that blends environmental protection with creativity. At the M-Pesa Sokoni Festival, held at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium on Saturday, Takawiri Craft stood among hundreds of businesses showcasing innovation and culture. The festival celebrated 18 years of M-Pesa and drew thousands of Kisumu residents eager for discounts, entertainment, and to explore how mobile money continues to transform local enterprise. Safaricom's acting Chief Enterprise Business Officer Franklin Okata, said supporting ventures like Takawiri is at the heart of the company's mission. "We engaged over 100 SMEs, medium, and large enterprises," he said. "We spoke about resilience, integration, and digital transformation. At Safaricom Business, we don't just connect our customers to the internet - we connect them to their suppliers, clients, and partners, and we protect and enable them through innovation." Gabriel Okere and Mitchelle Awour from Takawiri at their stand during Mpesa Sokoni festival on 2nd August 2025 at Mamboleo in Kisumu. [Michael Mute, Standard] While Takawiri Craft dominated conversations for its eco-friendly message, another local brand added colour to the festival. Nyando Textile, represented by veteran fashion designer Lilian Odede, showcased vibrant tie-and-dye fabrics sourced and made entirely within the community. "For over 20 years, we have kept our designs rooted in local culture," Odede explained. "Safaricom's services like Fuliza and Zidisha have been game changers. There are times we need quick credit to finish an order, and Fuliza bridges that gap. With Pochi La Biashara, we receive payments easily and securely, which has built trust with our customers." The festival was more than a marketplace. It was a convergence of stories - of businesses rising from challenges, of digital solutions opening new possibilities, and of communities connecting through creativity. Visitors moved between stalls, sampling local juice, trying on fabrics, and learning about recycling initiatives, all while enjoying entertainment that blended music and culture. For Onyango, the day was about more than sales. "We want people to see that protecting the environment can also put food on the table," he said. "When someone buys a diary or a gift bag from us, they are not just buying a product - they are joining a movement to save Lake Victoria."

How firm's bid to turn waste into cash is paying off

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