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How Makueni textiles maker broke into lucrative Europe, US markets
Tosheka Textiles co-founder and associate director Nyokabi Mwangi during an interview at her home (left), and handwoven shawls and mats by Tosheka Textiles on display in Nairobi on November 4, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
When Tosheka Textiles first set up in 2004, it was not structured as a commercial outfit. At the time, the venture was working as a community-based organisation teaching women in Makueni how to spin yarn from raw cotton grown in the area.
The intention then was to create skills, empower rural households, and demonstrate to the community that even low volumes of cotton could have value once processed.
