Kenya Fashion Council

 

Summary

The Kenya Fashion Council was established through the collaborative consolidation of diverse stakeholders within the Kenyan fashion industry, including fashion designers, artisans, manufacturers, educational institutions, and policymakers. This unification was driven by the shared vision of elevating the status of Kenyan fashion on the global stage and creating an inclusive platform that represents the collective interests of the industry.

By bringing together these key players, the council acts as a unified voice that advocates for the growth and recognition of Kenyan fashion, ensuring that local designers and industry professionals can compete and thrive in an increasingly competitive international market. The Kenya Fashion Council ’s mission extends beyond simple representation; it aims to bolster the industry by fostering an environment where innovation, cultural expression, and sustainability can flourish.

Through strategic initiatives, such as trade shows, international partnerships, and marketing campaigns, the council works to amplify the visibility of Kenyan fashion and position it as a significant contributor to the global fashion narrative. This collaborative approach strengthens Kenya’s ability to showcase its unique fashion identity—rooted in heritage and infused with modern creativity—while opening doors to new opportunities and economic growth for those within the industry.

History

Kenya, a major economic hub of East Africa, rich in culture and skilled fashion designers, is sadly poorly integrated into the global fashion industry. The Kenya Fashion Council works hand in hand with fashion designers, institutions teaching Fashion Design, Textiles, Production, Media in Fashion and legal professionals within the industry and the Government to create a functional Kenyan fashion industry.

What’s more, the council endeavors to be part of policymaking around the fashion industry, build opportunities for local and international partnerships, create an environment for vibrant networking events, create a hub for industry insights and resources, develop or enhance business collaborations for growth, opportunity for showcasing and selling products to local and export markets, and create an enabling business environment to thrive in the Fashion industry.

Per the official website, “A National Fashion Council for Kenya will ultimately result in  maximization of the market share by best utilization of resources and ensure sustainable solutions to the Kenyan Fashion and Creative Industry, thus increasing its net value [through shared resources and finances creating jobs, empowerment of industries through specialization and expertise in the various fields within the industry, as well as global recognition on a larger platform…”

Vision

The Kenya Fashion Council envisions a thriving fashion industry in Kenya that is recognized both locally and globally for its creativity, sustainability, and cultural significance. Its vision is to transform Kenya into a fashion hub that not only showcases the rich heritage and talent of its fashion designers and artisans but also sets new benchmarks for innovation and ethical practices. The Kenya Fashion Council aspires to make Kenya synonymous with high-quality, culturally infused fashion that captivates audiences worldwide and contributes meaningfully to the economy.

Central to this vision is the ambition to cultivate a fashion ecosystem where Kenyan designers can compete on a global scale and achieve sustainable growth. The council aims to create an environment that encourages collaboration, fosters continuous learning, and nurtures emerging talent. Through partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy for supportive industry policies, the Kenya Fashion Council seeks to establish Kenya as a leader in the African fashion scene, known for its fusion of tradition and modernity in fashion design.

Mission Statement

The Kenya Fashion Council is committed to nurturing and advancing the growth of Kenya’s fashion industry by fostering an ecosystem that supports fashion designers, artisans, craftspeople and stakeholders. Its mission centers on promoting sustainable practices, enhancing local talent, and driving economic opportunities within the fashion sector. The Kenya Fashion Council aims to position Kenya as a leader in African fashion by building strong industry standards and creating pathways for local and international market access for Kenyan fashion professionals.

A key aspect of the Kenya Fashion Council’s mission is to encourage education, innovation, and collaboration within the fashion industry. By connecting fashion designers with training, resources, and partnerships, the council seeks to empower them to scale their businesses and elevate their craft. The Kenya Fashion Council advocates for policies that benefit the fashion industry, emphasizing sustainable growth that respects both the environment and cultural heritage. Through these efforts, the council strives to create a vibrant, inclusive, and economically viable fashion landscape that contributes to Kenya’s cultural and economic development.

Services

The Kenya Fashion Council provides comprehensive services aimed at supporting and empowering fashion designers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. These services include industry-focused training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities designed to enhance skills and knowledge in fashion design, business management, and sustainability practices. By offering resources that bridge the gap between creativity and practical business acumen, the Kenya Fashion Council enables local talent to build competitive and resilient fashion brands that thrive in both local and international markets.

Additionally, the Kenya Fashion Council facilitates networking opportunities and collaborative partnerships to bolster industry growth. Through events, exhibitions, and strategic alliances, the council connects fashion professionals with key stakeholders, including investors, retailers, and policymakers. Advocacy for industry-friendly policies and initiatives that support fair trade, innovation, and sustainable development is also a cornerstone of Kenya Fashion Council’s services. These efforts contribute to building a robust, inclusive, and forward-thinking fashion industry that aligns with Kenya’s economic and cultural aspirations.

Leadership Team

Akinyi Odongo (Executive Board Chair)
Isaac Maluki (Executive Director Deputy Chair Finance and Human Resource)
Brian Kihindas (Executive Director Legal, Policy and Accreditation Department)
Dominic Agesa (Executive Board Communications and Events)
Sidney Augestine (Executive Board Design)

References