Indilisi Jewellery Partner, Peter Omua Owang' from Bombolulu, Kenya

Indilisi works with Bombolulu Workshops, Kenya. We tell you what’s behind this beautiful, handcrafted jewellery.

→  Tell us more about you & Bombolulu Workshops in Mombasa, Kenya?

My name is Peter Ouma. I joined Bombolulu 25 years ago as an artisan working in the
jewellery department. I was promoted to the marketing department and our gift shop - and then became responsible for selling our jewellery locally to hotels and gift shops.

→ Why was Bombolulu Workshops set up?

Bombolulu was set up to empower persons with physical disabilities economically and socially through gaining training and employment. 72 artisans work and live here with their families. In total over 500 people.

Most artisans at Bombolulu Workshops have been there over 30 years, starting families,
educating children, and sometimes having grandchildren. They've benefited financially from their savings and loans society, which helped invest in retirement homes and income activities like poultry farming and tailoring businesses.

→ Is Bombololu unique in Kenya?

We are the largest rehabilitation centres in Kenya and have been in existence since 1969.

→ What kind of crafts do you make?

We make jewellery from brass and silver plate. We add glass beads and natural semi-precious stones. We also work in local leather, textile and woodcarving – with an emphasis on recycled and locally available materials.

→ Is it difficult to source sustainable materials?

We’ve been at the forefront of sourcing sustainable materials, especially wood. We have therefore ensured that we protect the environment by planting and harvesting our own wood within our compound. We grow neem and palm wood. Other materials include cow and camel bones and Masai beads.

→ People are buying your jewellery because the designs and quality are amazing - how do you feel when you see your products modelled in Indian fashion shows?

We feel humbled and proud that our craft is recognised internationally! :D

→ Why do long-term partnerships with buyers matter to craft groups like yours?

Partnering with fair trade buyers like Indilisi is truly valuable because it provides design input, helps ensure artisans have stable incomes, and supports capacity building to reach new markets.

→ Which of the Fair Trade principles resonates with you and your fellow artisans the most?

Principle number 1 – creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers.

→ What are your personal passions?

I love playing sitting volleyball at the weekend. It was one of my best games. We took part in an inter-state tournament last month and finished third. The next tournament will be held in Nairobi in August, and we expect many teams to participate, including the Mombasa team.

 → Do you notice climate change effects and how are you adapting?

Yes, climate change is very visible in the coastal area where Bombolulu is located – persistent floods/drought are disturbing trends that ultimately lead to food insecurity.
Sometimes our homes and communities are suddenly flooded. We are trying to protect ourselves and create barriers, but this isn’t easy.

We are also supporting the growth of mangrove trees along receding coastlines to protect ourselves and others:

• Coastal protection: Their dense root systems reduce erosion and buffer communities against storm surges.
• Carbon sinks: Mangroves absorb and store large amounts of carbon, helping fight climate change.
• Biodiversity hubs: They provide nurseries for fish, crabs, and other marine life, supporting local livelihoods.
• Cultural value: In coastal Kenya, mangroves have long been tied to traditional fishing and community practices.

These efforts not only restore ecosystems but also create eco-tourism opportunities and strengthen local economies.

→ What is driving climate change?

This is mainly driven by human activities; the major cause, especially in the coastal area
of Mombasa, is deforestation.

→ What are your dreams - personally and for Bombolulu?

We dream that Bombolulu is able to support more talented persons with disabilities
through empowerment, so that our vision of empowerment never dies.

→ Who inspires you? Poet? Social justice leader?

I get my inspiration from Manu Chandaria – a seasoned businessman and
philanthropist - “Zero multiplied by zero is always zero. You stay home, you don’t do
anything; it is always zero the next morning. You work a little bit, and it becomes
one… until you reach two, four, eight… then the multiplication and addition start.”

→ Anything that you would like to add?

I am so grateful for the wonderful work Indilisi does and your customers as this support makes a big difference to people with disabilities in Kenya, especially the Bombolulu workshops. You still support us despite many challenges, such as the global recession. May God bless the work of your hands.

Take a Look at our Beautiful Handcrafted Jewellery Here 💚