Our Programme
Six interconnected activities that address the economic, social, and skills needs of our grannies — from craft training to financial inclusion.
Sustainable Income Through
Handcraft Production
“To enhance the economic and social well-being of widowed grannies by equipping them with skills, resources and support to generate sustainable income through handcraft production.”
— Grannies Project Annual Report, 2025–2026
The project takes a holistic approach — addressing both the economic need for income and the social need for connection — resulting in significant, measurable positive impacts in the lives of beneficiaries and their families.
Six Pillars of the Programme
Each activity is designed to reinforce the others — creating a self-sustaining cycle of skills, income, and community.
Skill Development
Individualized coaching raising craftsmanship to market-ready standards.
We focus on improving crafts quality and design through individualized, hands-on training sessions tailored to each grandmother's skill level and interests. The 2025–26 Annual Report notes expanded training with more specialization, resulting in higher craftsmanship standards across the group.
Key Highlights
- ✦One-on-one coaching tailored to each participant
- ✦Progressive skill levels — beginner to advanced
- ✦Quality control reviews before market submission
- ✦Introduction of new techniques each season
Material Access
Affordable, quality materials sourced consistently to keep production flowing.
Trefoil Guild Kenya ensures more consistent access to affordable, quality materials — removing one of the biggest barriers to consistent and marketable output. Bulk purchasing partnerships with local suppliers help offset rising material costs.
Key Highlights
- ✦Bulk purchasing to reduce per-unit costs
- ✦Partnerships with local material suppliers
- ✦Stock management to prevent production gaps
- ✦Subsidised access for lowest-income participants
Market Linkages
Multiple sales channels connecting grannies to local and national buyers.
We facilitate sales through local markets, online platforms, Trefoil Guild members, and the Kenya Girl Guides Headquarters shop in Nairobi. The 2025–26 report notes strengthened presence in local markets and broadened online visibility, with more sales facilitated through Guild members.
Key Highlights
- ✦Kenya Girl Guides HQ shop in Nairobi
- ✦Local market stalls and community fairs
- ✦Guild member distribution network
- ✦Online platforms for wider reach
Financial Education
Business skills training — pricing, record-keeping, budgeting, and savings.
We provide training in basic financial literacy, pricing, and business management. The 2025–26 programme expanded to include record-keeping and savings culture — building stronger business foundations and giving grannies the knowledge to grow their craft into a sustainable livelihood.
Key Highlights
- ✦Pricing strategy and margin management
- ✦Basic bookkeeping and income tracking
- ✦Savings culture and goal-setting
- ✦Budgeting for household and business needs
Table Banking
A weekly communal savings fund providing accessible credit to every member.
Introduced in the 2025–26 cycle, table banking allows grannies to contribute KES 50 weekly to a shared pool and apply for loans from it. This initiative has strengthened financial inclusion, encouraged a savings culture, and provided accessible credit for expanding craft production and meeting household needs.
Key Highlights
- ✦KES 50 weekly contribution per member
- ✦Loans available for materials and household needs
- ✦Democratically managed by the group
- ✦Builds credit history and financial confidence
Community Support
Deep peer networks, church partnerships, and Christmas gift baskets.
Beyond the crafts, we build lasting social bonds through deeper collaboration with churches and community groups, leading to more collective production and peer mentoring. Every year we bring joy through curated Christmas gift baskets — a moment of care, community, and celebration for grannies and their grandchildren.
Key Highlights
- ✦Annual Christmas gift baskets for grannies and grandchildren
- ✦Church and community group partnerships
- ✦Peer mentoring between experienced and new participants
- ✦Collective production sessions fostering social bonds
New Techniques
Introduced This Year
The programme expanded its craft range in 2025–26, introducing four new techniques that diversify products and open new market segments.
Maasai Beadwork
Reintroduction of traditional Maasai bead items — paused due to eyesight difficulties but resumed with better lighting and magnification support.
Assorted Beaded Items
Expanded bead catalogue including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and decorative items appealing to a wider buyer market.
Patchwork Bedcovers
New textile product line — patchwork bedcovers combining traditional patterns with upcycled fabric materials.
Eco-Friendly Basketry
Basketry using sisal and recycled plastic paper — an eco-friendly technique that diversifies products and appeals to environmentally conscious buyers.
Where We Are
Headed
Based on the 2025–26 Annual Report, the programme has clear priorities for the next phase of growth — scaling what is working and addressing the remaining barriers.
- 💻Expand online sales capacity and digital literacy training.
- 🌿Strengthen eco-friendly production methods to tap into sustainable markets.
- 🏪Build partnerships to reach more retail outlets for consistent market access.
- 💰Continue scaling financial education to include savings groups and micro-investment.
- 📈Ensure continued support and expansion of market access for long-term sustainability.
How We Overcome
Obstacles
Limited resources to scale online sales platforms
Exploring mobile-based sales channels to reach wider audiences
Rising material costs affecting production margins
Partnering with groups for bulk discounts and alternative sourcing
Transport and logistics difficulties
Adjusting production schedules to align with market demand cycles
Language and literacy barriers during training
Simplified visual training materials to overcome literacy barriers
Support the Programme
Your donation directly funds craft materials, training sessions, and table banking contributions for grandmothers in Kibra.