“Art is a way to tell stories without words, it’s about capturing feelings and moments that people can connect with,” says Kericho-based artist Jorim Muinda, whose colorful, handcrafted pieces attract the eyes of shoppers on the upper floor of Simba Gate Mall where his shop is located, in a quiet corridor, displaying a mix of wildlife portraits, African scenes, and personalized artwork that each carry a special meaning for those who see them.
What most people don’t realize is that far above the bustling corridor, the artist spends hours alone on the rooftop, patiently transforming blank canvases into vibrant stories full of life and meaning, works that are carefully finished, packed, and sent to brighten homes across the country.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency from his stall christened Artisan’s Touch Art Shop, 30-year-old Muinda shared how what started as a fallback plan has grown into a thriving business rooted in talent, discipline and digital connection.
He disclosed that after earning his Diploma in Architecture from Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, he faced difficulties finding stable opportunities in the field, and when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, he took time to reflect and re-strategize, eventually deciding to pursue art and craft professionally, something he had been passionate about since his high school days.
“Architecture jobs were hard to come by, so I picked up my pencils and brushes again and started drawing and creating pieces. Before long, people began placing random orders, and that’s when it hit me that this could actually be something serious. That realization pushed me to take it professionally instead of treating it like just a hobby.” Muinda said.
Muinda said he partnered with Tonny Omondi, a creative local youth with a keen eye for craft and logistics, to establish Artisan’s Touch Art Shop in October 2024, and in just 11 months, the business has grown steadily, attracting clients from all walks of life by actively using digital platforms to market their masterpieces.
“We have been actively engaging audiences on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and over time, our pages have grown. We have already started converting some of that online interest into actual customers by consistently posting our work. We’re also becoming trusted by people from across the country, and we hope to reach an even wider audience globally in the near future,” explained Muinda.
He pointed out that the business currently offers a wide range of creative services, tailored to different occasions and client needs, including custom wall art, themed sip-and-paint experiences, personalized wedding and birthday gifts, indoor and outdoor murals, structured art lessons, and full event art packages designed to add a unique artistic touch to any celebration or space.
Muinda further explained that the pricing of various masterpieces is structured to be accessible, with artworks ranging from Sh2,999 for smaller pieces to Sh7,500 for large-scale works, with options for custom sizing.
“Framing and installation are offered at a small additional fee, and deliveries within Kericho are free, while orders from across the country are shipped affordably with each piece, designed to last, protected with anti-fade finishing and delivered professionally,” Muinda emphasised.
He explained that the time it takes to complete a painting varies based on complexity and inspiration, saying that some pieces may take four or five days, others longer.
“Whether it’s a family portrait, an office centre piece or a hotel mural, we treat every job with detail and emotion. I want each piece to mean something to the person receiving it and honestly, sometimes I get so attached to a painting and it becomes hard to let go,” he admitted.
Despite their growing success, Muinda emphasized that one of the biggest challenges is helping clients understand the true value of each piece of art, as some still underestimate the amount of time, materials, and effort involved in creating a single painting but noted that he takes time to walk clients through the creative process, explaining the detail, technique, and quality that justify the cost, which in turn helps them appreciate the work more deeply.
Art is not just about the final image, it’s a process, it’s emotional, and it’s labour-intensive. We spend hours layering colours, blending textures, and perfecting every detail, and that’s what justifies the value and cost of each piece.” stressed Muinda.
To expand their reach and build a stronger network, the team actively participates in community exhibitions and creative networking events in Kericho and neighbouring towns, platforms that have not only helped in marketing their work, but also in educating the public about the creative economy and the discipline required to sustain it.
According to Muinda, the majority of new clients come through referrals and online exposure, a clear testament to the growing reputation of Artisan’s Touch within creative circles adding that professionals regularly commission personalized artwork for their homes and offices, while hotels and restaurants seek unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to elevate their ambience and create memorable experiences for their guests.
“Last month, I did a piece for a lawyer in Nairobi. He saw our online posts and reached out. We discussed the design virtually, I worked on it from here, and delivered the masterpiece to him in Nairobi and now it’s hanging in his boardroom,” he said.
Muinda now looks forward to a brighter future, with plans to expand by securing a larger space to showcase his masterpieces, while also aspiring to inspire and train more young people to join the art and craft profession, helping them build sustainable livelihoods through their creativity.
By Kibe Mburu
