Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend

Sammy's portable kitchen , in Thika town. [Courtesy]

In the bustling industrial town of Thika, a self-taught artist and designer is quietly transforming how Kenyans think about kitchen space. Solomon Sikulu Sitati has carved a niche with his innovative portable kitchen; an affordable, compact solution that is steadily gaining popularity among urban households and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Sitati, who operates his workshop in Makongeni, describes himself as a multidisciplinary creative. He works across painting, woodwork and sculpture, skills that have shaped his approach to furniture design. His latest innovation, the portable kitchen, officially launched in January, is a product he says has long existed in his imagination.

“This kind of product has always been in my sketchbook and among my designs,” he says, recalling the gradual journey from concept to finished product.

The portable kitchen is designed with convenience in mind. Compact enough to fit in the boot of a small car; “it can even fit in a Suzuki Alto,” he assures, further revealing that “the particular product appeals to a wide range of users, from tenants in small apartments to outdoor vendors and event caterers”.

The product’s multifunctional structure allows it to serve as both a cooking and preparation station, reflecting a growing demand for flexible and space-saving household solutions in Kenya’s rapidly urbanising environment.

Quality and practicality

According to Sitati, affordability has been key to the product’s success. Prices start from about Sh5,000, depending on size, design, colour and finishing. This pricing places it within reach of many Kenyans who might otherwise struggle to invest in conventional kitchen fittings.

“I believe when you are doing an amazing design, your product sells itself,” he tells City Biz crew who visited his workshop, attributing his growing customer base to both quality and practicality.

Kenya’s furniture market has increasingly shifted toward functional, minimalist designs, driven by shrinking living spaces and rising costs of housing. Sitati’s creation taps directly into this trend, offering a solution that is not only practical but also visually appealing. His artistic background is evident in the clean finishes and customizable designs that set his products apart from standard mass-produced furniture.

Digital platforms

Despite the growing demand, Sitati acknowledges that the journey has not been without challenges. Like many small-scale manufacturers in Kenya, he cites limited capital, access to raw materials and logistical hurdles as persistent obstacles.

“The major problem is capital; capital, raw materials and also logistics, especially distribution and marketing,” he says.

Even so, digital platforms have played a crucial role in expanding his reach. Most of his customers find him through social media channels such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, as well as through direct calls and referrals. This reflects a broader shift in Kenya’s informal and creative sectors, where entrepreneurs are leveraging online tools to bypass traditional marketing barriers.

Sitati remains optimistic about the future, describing the market as “wonderful” for those willing to push their ideas and refine their craft. He believes innovation and problem-solving are at the heart of entrepreneurship, especially for young people navigating a competitive job market.

“When you create, when you solve a problem, you create an opportunity,” he says, adding “Don’t wait for someone to give you a job; simply go out there and use your head. The head is not a decoration.”

His message resonates in a country where youth unemployment remains a pressing issue, and where creativity is increasingly seen as a viable pathway to economic independence. Through his portable kitchen design, Sitati is not only building a business but also demonstrating how practical innovation can turn everyday challenges into opportunity.

As demand for affordable, adaptable living solutions continues to grow, his work stands as a testament to the power of local ingenuity; proof that sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the widest impact.