A Sh120 million Beads Production Centre is nearing completion at the Sekenani Gate of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Siana Ward, Narok West, in a move poised to revolutionize the beadwork industry in the region and uplift the socio-economic status of Maasai women.
Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, who inspected the facility this week ahead of its official launch, said the centre aims to provide structured support to local artisans and bolster beadwork as a key economic activity in Narok County.
He noted that beadwork is more than just a cultural expression, terming it a vital source of livelihood for many women living within the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
“Beadwork production plays a significant role not only in preserving our cultural identity but also in supporting the tourism sector, which in turn sustains numerous families and households in the region,” Governor Ntutu said during the site visit.
The centre, he added, will serve as a dedicated hub for the training, production, and marketing of traditional Maasai beadwork. It is also expected to empower hundreds of women by providing them with a formal workspace, access to markets, and the opportunity to earn sustainable incomes.
This economic empowerment is also expected to translate into improved social well-being for families, including better access to education, healthcare, and food security.
In addition to its local impact, the centre is set to enhance the county’s appeal to tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences, creating a direct link between conservation, culture, and community development.
President William Samoei Ruto is expected to officially inaugurate the facility during his anticipated visit in the region, marking a significant milestone in efforts to integrate cultural heritage with economic empowerment, one of the key pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
By Lamech Willy
