This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
Since the government banned plastic bags in 2017, the demand for traditional baskets has skyrocketed in Tharaka Nithi County. For women like Martha Kagurukia, this ban has been a game-changer.
Martha, a 58-year-old basket weaver, has been perfecting her craft for years. She can weave a basket in just two to three days, even as she tends to her livestock and household chores. 'I sell a piece at Sh70, which I think is very fair considering its quality and the amount of time I invest,' she said.
Martha's daughter, Rose, has also learned the art of basket weaving from her mother. 'I decided to learn the art because the old women make beautiful baskets. I admire their talent, and I want to be equally good,' Rose said.
Harriet M'Muthuri, 62, and Rosemary Njue, 71, are two of the most skilled basket weavers in the area. They have been weaving for as long as they can remember and are now teaching their grandchildren the art. 'I was also taught by my grandmother when I was a young girl. It is a shame that the youth do not know how to make a simple basket,' Harriet said.
With the money earned from selling their baskets, Martha and other women in the community are able to supplement their income and improve their living standards.
As the demand for traditional baskets continues to grow, it's clear that the government's ban on plastic bags has had a positive impact on the lives of women in Tharaka Nithi County.
