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KIKOYS :: MADE
IN AFRICA, IDEAL ANYWHERE!
Striped woven kikoys were traditionally worn by Swahili sailors plying the Indian Ocean. The Swahili people continue to wear them for any occasion but now they are also worn by men and women all around Kenya and beyond.
Though kikoys are principally worn as a sarong, they can be used as scarves, pyjamas, for cheering up a room, or as a turban....let your imagination run.
To keep in step with the fashion needs of The Safari Store, in partnership with our Kenyan supplier, have taken the traditional kikoy and added a brilliant range of colours. The specially woven fabric which is 100% mercerised cotton, brings a softness which will give you comfort on the beach, at home, anywhere.
Available for all ages, our range includes dressing gowns, shorts, trousers, tops, sandals and bags which all look great when crafted from the cloth that defines the East African coast. Once available only to Kenyans and lucky visitors, through The Safari Store, our kikoys are now available worldwide.
Our kikoys can also be used to furnish the house, which makes Kenyan sunshine stream into a home. Please take the time to browse through our wide choice in Bed Throws, Cushions and accessories.
KIKOYS AND THE COMMUNITY
In selecting out Kenyan supplier, we realised the importance of supporting a company that supports communities within Kenya. With their manufacturing plant in Ruiru, which is about 25 kms from Nairobi, our supplier offers steady jobs to hundreds of men and women in that area. They are completely compliant with the labour laws and support the community at large.
Some of the work involved in manufacturing the Kikoys is outsourced to local community women's groups, which benefit from the extra income to support their families.
Since 2006, our supplier has been supporting the Ruiru Rehabilitation Centre.
The Ruiru Rehabilitation Centre evolved from a local response to the increasing number of street children within and around Ruiru Town. It began as a feeding programme in 1997.
Local well-wishers gave the street children food once a week. In 1998, a temporary shelter made it possible for the children to have a roof over their heads and a stable environment. It started with only 30 boys but now accommodates 50 boys and girls who are provided with food, shelter, clothing and medical care in a clean and healthy environment. All school-aged children are in school and the smaller children are being educated at the Centre.
In 2006, the Centre with assistance from our supplier and others acquired four acres of land to build a more permanent structure with dormitories, a community hall, kitchen, toilets and bathrooms. In the long run, the plan involves buildings a school on the same piece of land. |
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