Meet Our Braiders

A History Woven in Strands

It’s difficult to remember an Africa without outside influence - without colonial borders and rule and western languages and forced...

Mar 102 min read

Haki Did That - and she's just getting started

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu Photo courtesy of Paula Mwithaga Paula Mwihaki Mwithaga’s early hair experiences were rooted in pain. Every few...

Feb 183 min read

From Aspiring Nurse to Successful Nairobi Salonist: How Esther's Dreams Transformed

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu Esther first dreamed of being a nurse - which makes sense. Nurses are applauded for their precision, nimble...

May 27, 20242 min read

Rosemary's story: how to thrive beyond the market

Kenyatta market has been Rosemary Wadenya’s life force for nearly half of her life. Truly, it is the thing and the place that’s kept her...

Apr 3, 20242 min read

Lilian's "Braids Cafe" caters to Kenyatta with Inclusive Luxury and Economic Opportunity

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photo by Elsa Kariuki In Kenyatta Market, Lilian’s salon stands out. In an alley of...

Jun 9, 20232 min read

Stability and Opportunity: Ruth's Journey in Kenyatta Market

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photos by Elsa Kariuki Kenyatta Market has always meant stability for Ruth Katinda...

May 24, 20232 min read

Unleashing Cathy's Potential: How Traditional Artisans Aim to Adapt to Online Platforms

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu Photos by Elsa Kariuki Technology is holding Catherine Ndanu back. For most 40-somethings, Instagram doesn’t need...

May 18, 20232 min read

Economic Instability, Emotional Stability: How Kenyatta Market Became Lucy's Home

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photos by Elsa Kariuki Lucy Ann Adhiambo loves to work. Well, maybe it’s better to...

Mar 22, 20234 min read

Honoring a Mother's Memory: The Role of Kenyatta Market in a Daughter's Grief

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photos by Elsa Kariuki It was Connie’s mother who first showed her the beauty of...

Mar 7, 20234 min read

The problem with the gig economy: Labor activist Bruno's passions and insights

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photos by Elsa Kariuki It’s hard to find someone as passionate as Bruno,...

Feb 18, 20233 min read

One of the youngest women in government, Silantoi advocates for female workers

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photos by Elsa Kariuki Silantoi is pictured beaming outside her office in a stunning...

Feb 4, 20234 min read

Despite health scares and grief, Margaret creates a home in the market

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Margaret in her salon at Kenyatta Market. Photos by Elsa N. Kariuki Margaret Ogare...

Jan 25, 20234 min read

One of the only male hair braiders in Kenyatta, Willtson reflects

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo Photos by Elsa Kariuki Kenyatta Market has over 500 hair braiders. Of those 500,...

Dec 30, 20225 min read

Wishing she left Kenyatta Market earlier, Stella creates a new life

by Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo and Carly Steyer Photos by Carly Steyer It’s hard for Stella Mwende to recall one...

Dec 15, 20224 min read

Two beauty queens, two perspectives on Kenyatta Market

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo and Carly Steyer Bonnie (left) on a Zoom call with Sarah (right). Photo by Carly...

Dec 9, 20226 min read

Joanna Kinuthia on entrepreneurship and using her influence for good

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo and Carly Steyer Photo courtesy of Moderne Studio Over two years ago, Joanna...

Nov 10, 20226 min read

Chairman Moses on how he leads with hope

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from cultural guide and translator Dianne Saliamo & photographer and visual lead Carly Steyer Photos by...

Nov 3, 20225 min read

Rose blooms in Kenyatta Market

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from Dianne Saliamo & Carly Steyer Carly Steyer For Rose Orata, Kenyatta Market was a fresh start from a...

Oct 27, 20225 min read

“I can’t give up”: Kenyatta Market still deserves Nairobi’s support, says Jemma

By Natachi Onwuamaegbu with help from translator and cultural guide, Dianne Saliamo Photos by Carly Steyer When Jemmimah Atieno Owya was...

Oct 12, 20226 min read

Following Doris through the market (video)

Carly Steyer video by Omoke Ogao

Oct 10, 20221 min read