Kazuri Beads Factory & Shop
Handcrafted ceramic beads and jewelry empowering over 300 women artisans in Nairobi through fair trade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Kazuri Beads Factory & Shop
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Handcrafted ceramic beads and jewelry empowering over 300 women artisans in Nairobi through fair trade.
"A must-visit for unique, handmade jewelry that supports a powerful mission of women's empowerment."
🎯 Take the Factory Tour
A 30-min tour shows the entire bead-making process from clay to finished product.
💳 Credit Cards Accepted
Conveniently pay for your beautiful handcrafted souvenirs with major credit cards.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bead-Making Process
Factory Floor
Witness the intricate journey of raw clay transforming into vibrant, handcrafted ceramic beads.
Empowering Women Artisans
Showroom & Factory
Learn about the inspiring story of how Kazuri supports over 300 single mothers.
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Unique Ceramic Jewelry
Showroom
Discover a stunning array of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in diverse colors and designs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support Local Artisans
+2Factory Tour & Shopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Factory Tour
A 30-min tour shows the entire bead-making process from clay to finished product.
💳 Credit Cards Accepted
Conveniently pay for your beautiful handcrafted souvenirs with major credit cards.
💰 Prices in USD
Be prepared for prices to be listed in US dollars, which can be higher than expected.
🎁 Great for Gifts
Find unique, handmade jewelry perfect for gifting to loved ones back home.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Factory Tour
A 30-min tour shows the entire bead-making process from clay to finished product.
💳 Credit Cards Accepted
Conveniently pay for your beautiful handcrafted souvenirs with major credit cards.
💰 Prices in USD
Be prepared for prices to be listed in US dollars, which can be higher than expected.
🎁 Great for Gifts
Find unique, handmade jewelry perfect for gifting to loved ones back home.
📍 New Location
Kazuri Beads has moved; check their latest address to avoid confusion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kazuri Beads for its inspiring mission of empowering single mothers through fair trade and its beautiful, handcrafted ceramic jewelry. The factory tour offers a fascinating look at the bead-making process. However, some reviewers note that prices have become quite high in recent years, and the experience can feel commercialized to some.
"Founded in 1975, Kazuri started as a small initiative to help single mothers in Nairobi gain employment. Today, it supports over 300 women artisans and is a certified Fair Trade producer, shipping jewellery and pottery all over the world. Excellent place to buy genuine beads, pottery items. Prices are in US dollars usually and credit cards are accepted. There is a 30 min tour of the factory and then the showroom where you can buy. Profits go towards to helping single mothers here"
s vivekananda
"Very good range of bead work but has become very costly in the recent years.
Tough for a lady to enter and come out empty handed. The color combinations are very unique and varied - earrings, necklace.
There is a low value range also but the shine amd brightness of colors is amazing in the higher price range.
The showroom is well stocked - should have bulk buy discounts 😜😉"
Saurabh Gupta
"The concept of a bead workshop to help single mothers is great. Not sure how it went from this concept to a place that charges an arm and a leg with a less than enthused guide in Karen, a posh area of Nairobi. I guess it’s one way to nonprofit-wash a business and exploit the locals. New location is in a fancy office park."
Pasado C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kazuri Beads Factory is located in Karen, Nairobi. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt. Some tour operators also offer transport.
While public transport might be challenging to navigate directly to the factory, it's generally more convenient to use taxis or ride-sharing apps for a direct and comfortable journey.
Kazuri Beads has relocated. It's best to confirm their current address before your visit, as social media posts indicate a move to a new location.
Yes, group tours can often be arranged. It's advisable to contact the factory in advance to discuss group bookings and any specific requirements.
Yes, there is typically parking available at the factory premises for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the factory and showroom is generally free, but a small fee might apply for guided tours. It's always good to check their official website or contact them for the latest information.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the factory and shop are open during regular business hours on weekdays and Saturdays. Confirming their current operating times is recommended.
While the showroom is free to browse, there is usually a nominal fee for the guided factory tour, which is well worth it to understand the process.
Yes, you can visit the showroom and purchase items without taking the factory tour. However, the tour offers valuable insight into the craftsmanship.
Some reviews suggest inquiring about bulk buy discounts, especially if you plan to purchase a significant number of items.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products
Kazuri Beads specializes in handcrafted ceramic jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pendants, made from local clay.
Yes, the beads are crafted from a rare clay found on the slopes of Mount Kenya, making them unique and locally sourced.
Prices are typically in USD and can range from affordable to quite costly, especially for intricate designs. Some reviewers note a significant price increase over the years. +1
You can purchase both finished jewelry pieces and individual beads to create your own designs.
Kazuri Beads ships its jewelry and pottery worldwide, making it accessible to customers globally.
🎫 ✨ The Kazuri Story
Founded in 1975 by Lady Susan Wood, Kazuri started as an initiative to employ single mothers, and it has grown into a fair trade cooperative supporting over 300 women.
'Kazuri' means 'small and beautiful' in Swahili, reflecting the delicate nature of their handcrafted beads.
Kazuri provides employment and fair wages to over 300 single mothers, empowering them and their families through sustainable craft production.
Yes, Kazuri Beads is a certified Fair Trade producer, ensuring ethical practices and fair compensation for its artisans.
The unique ceramic beads are made from a special clay sourced from the slopes of Mount Kenya, giving them a distinct character.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity to teach children about craftsmanship, different cultures, and the importance of supporting ethical businesses. The concept of empowering women through work is also a valuable lesson. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow children more space to explore and interact with the displays.
+1🎁 Gift Shoppers
Each piece carries the story of empowerment and fair trade, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your gift. The showroom is well-stocked, and while prices can be on the higher side, the quality and the social impact justify the cost for many shoppers.
🌍 Conscious Travelers
+2Your visit and purchases help sustain a business that champions women's rights and provides dignified employment. It's a chance to engage with local culture and contribute positively to the community, aligning your travel with your values.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Craftsmanship of Kazuri Beads
+1This dedication to detail ensures that every piece of jewelry tells a story. The women artisans, many of whom are single mothers, pour their hearts into their work, transforming simple clay into beautiful, wearable art. The factory tour offers a fascinating glimpse into this entire process, from the raw materials to the finished product, highlighting the skill and passion involved.
Visitors often express admiration for the quality and uniqueness of the beads. The variety of designs, from simple and elegant to bold and colorful, means there's something to suit every taste. The fact that each bead is handmade adds to its charm and value, making it a truly special souvenir or gift.
Empowerment Through Fair Trade
+2As a certified Fair Trade producer, Kazuri adheres to strict ethical standards, ensuring that its artisans are treated with respect and compensated fairly for their labor. This commitment to fair trade not only benefits the individual women but also contributes to the broader economic development of their families and communities. Visitors often highlight this aspect as a significant reason for their support and admiration for Kazuri.
Choosing to purchase from Kazuri means more than just acquiring beautiful jewelry; it means investing in a social enterprise that uplifts women and fosters sustainable livelihoods. The positive impact of this model is evident in the stories of the artisans and the continued success of the organization.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit