Fashion: Kakamega women embracing sisal braids

Catherine Okutoi pleats Valari Sabayi using sisal braids at a salon in Lurambi as Assumpta Kasabuli looks on. [Duncan Ocholla]

Have you ever thought of braiding your hair using sisal? A 28-year-old woman from Kakamega is making this a reality by waving weaves and braids from sisal.

Assumpta Kasabuli says she realised her talent after participating in an exhibition in Nairobi and emerged winner.

She came up with the idea after the government issued a warning that synthetic weaves are polluting the environment and are costly.

“Hakimani Group, which advocates for talent nurturing mentored me to actualise my dream. All of us are not guaranteed white collar jobs, but if we use our talents well, we can create employment for more youth,” she said.

Kasabuli extracts sisal fibre by crushing and compressing the leaves.

She then soaks in water to remove the chlorophyll, dry it in the shade for two hours,  then immerse the fibre in dye.

“Since I don't have the required machine, the process is involving. You have to prepare the material from stripping the green from the stringy part of the sisal plant, rolling it and dying.”

Kasabuli is optimistic her brand will become the best.

“I believe my products will stand out since sisal braids are unique, cheap,  locally available, affordable, durable and environmental friendly.”

Most of the hair products destroy environment since they cannot decompose. They end up blocking water pipes and sewer systems.

A packet goes for between Sh50 to Sh100 depending on the variety. The sisal braids and weaves can be used for three years.

“It does not smell even when you are rained on, compared to weaves which wear out faster and are expensive. In a day I make at least 20 packets of the braids,” she said.

Kasabuli added that the community, her friends, family, salons and church members have been supportive.

"The national and county governments should finance my venture since it will help create jobs," she said.

Resident Valary Sabai uses the sisal braids.

“This is my first time to be braided using sisal. I am loving it since it is cheaper, lasts longer and you can re-use it more than three times.”