Kenyan Kiondo Baskets

The Kiondos are a traditional Kenyan shopping basket made mostly of sisal. The Kikuyu and Kamba women in Kenya are most well known for making these baskets. These women are generally from poor backgrounds and usually work in self-help groups in order to get assistance from humanitarian benefactors.

These baskets are labouriasly crafted by hand from twisted sisal. The functional straps are crafted from genuine Kenya cowhide. Most times these women are widows or just single mothers with children to take care of. The making of kiondos is a very welcome source of family income for the women. It helps them buy food for the family, dress their children and pay school fees.