Our Story
Soko Africanus is a curated collection of handcrafted home and personal goods sourced directly from artisans across Kenya. Working closely with makers, workshops, and women-led collectives, the collection focuses on traditional techniques and the use of natural, local, and recycled materials.
Each piece is selected and developed with a contemporary perspective—designed to live beyond the souvenir market while maintaining the integrity of its origin. The range includes hand-loomed textiles, home goods, accessories + jewelry, and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Soko Africanus was curated and developed by Frida Kamau in 2016, debuting a collection that summer in Montauk, NY.
The focus has been on localizing materials, techniques and production to create meaningful income opportunities while celebrating Kenyan craftsmanship and culture.
shaped by place
made by hand
grounded in craft
defined by material
built over time
refined through design
In the Hands of Makers
Soko Africanus works directly with artisans across Kenya, partnering with independent makers, small workshops, and generational craftspeople. Each piece is shaped through a hands-on process—from raw material to final form—preserving traditional techniques while allowing them to evolve within a contemporary context and utility.
Babu Abu, palm weaver — Malindi Coast
Hand-dyed organic wool on loom — Nairobi
Hand-sanding soapstone trays
Wood rug weaving selection process
Where It Began
The First Collection
Soko Africanus first came to life in the summer of 2016, with a small showcase in Montauk, NY. The collection of hand woven textiles and tugs, brass jewelry, basketry and 3 legged stools drew artists, designers and the fashion to the tiny shingled shack, behind a small shingled shack, behind a restaurant on Main St
Development
From Idea to Form
From early sketch to final piece, each object is developed through a hands-on process.
Before
After