Thinking Through the Growth of The Fashion Design Industry in Kenya

Abstract

This research aimed at investigating the foundation and environment that surrounded the government directive to the public to wear African clothes every Friday. It sought to unearth information on the status of the fashion industry in Kenya. Data was collected from media reports, internet sources and available literature coupled with information from the Kenya Fashion Council, in which the author serves as a council member. The findings indicate that Kenya, does not have a strong indigenous textile production history and depends on fabric mainly from West Africa; designers used cultural, style, handcrafted finishes and natural fabrics in their fashion products; and, government, models, institutions and red carpet events are important to the industry growth. The failure of the Kenya national dress was due to several factors, including omission of the Maasai shuka. The Kenya Fashion Council is expected to mobilize resources necessary to develop a vibrant fashion industry.