The Alchemist of Gikomba: How Suave Kenya Turns Thrift-Market Scraps into Urban Luxury
Maker
Mohamed Awale
Known For
Upcycled Backpacks & Satchels
Tools & Equipment
Heavy-duty Industrial Sewing Machines; Precision Cutting Tools; Leather Scraps; Vintage Textiles
Geography
Coming Soon on YouTube
Walk through the chaotic piles of Gikomba market to see how discarded jackets become one-of-a-kind urban gear.
Mohamed Awale is proving that "upcycled" can be sophisticated: transforming Nairobi’s textile waste into bespoke fashion.
More Stories
Continue exploring the makers shaping Africa's future
Theo Baloyi: Walking the Journey of African Excellence
From a 7-hour airport layover to 32 stores across the continent, Theo Baloyi’s Bathu sneakers are a masterclass in authenticity and community-driven innovation.
Najim Abdulrazak: Cultivating the Future of African AgriTech
Najim Abdulrazak, CEO of Noba Africa, is pioneering agricultural transformation in Nigeria by using data-driven insights to empower smallholder farmers.
Abrima Erwiah: Empowering Ghana’s Artisans through Studio 189
Designer Abrima Erwiah is transforming the "Made in Ghana" narrative by creating an eco-friendly fashion hub that connects local craftsmanship with global markets.