This programme aims to promote alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system with the ambition of demonstrating that the fashion sector in Kenya and across Sub-Saharan Africa is a viable career option for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy.
Through strategic partnerships in Kenya and the UK, the programme explores three areas of work namely; research & insight, policy and advocacy and business support.
Research and Insight
Through the focus on research and insight; The British Council conducted a Needs Analysis of the Kenyan fashion sector, produced by Collective RW and independent researcher Jan Miller; a case study on one of Kenya's oldest markets, Uhuru Markets, in collaboration with the HEVA fund, and an analysis of the potential use of alternative fibres and raw materials in Kenya, led by the Kenyan chapter of Fashion Revolution.
Insights from these reports form the background from which the Creative DNA programme is designed and will inform future fashion programming for the British Council and executive summaries and recommendations will continuously be shared with and presented to relevant stakeholders in Kenya’s fashion sector to support policy and advocacy needs of the sector.
Policy and Advocacy
The Fashion Revolution Kenya team mapped out the fashion value chain to identify policy gaps that can benefit from sustainable practices. Support from the British Council and ITC SheTrades enabled the team to host a structured dialogue that brought together stakeholders and generated conversation on meaningful improvements and policy recommendations.
Building on that insight, the Fashion Revolution team researched the development of alternative fabrics that can stimulate local production and entrench sustainable production practices in Kenya. The research examined existing industries, explored the policy landscape on the fashion value chain and studied alternative fibres and raw materials with potential for growth in Kenya. Outcomes of the research outlined the value of sustainable fashion and its economic value in Kenya.
Fashion Incubator
The fashion incubator is designed to offer fashion designers an opportunity to grow their businesses by tackling growth-stage challenges such as attracting the right customers, scaling to new markets, finding partners, and securing investment. As part of the incubator, the entrepreneurs will access and interact with a global network of fashion experts, mentors, corporate clients, and partners.
The incubator will focus on:
- Skill Enhancement: A six-week training delivered in hybrid format through both Kenya and UK based trainers.
- Financial Support: - Cohort trainees shall compete among themselves for an opportunity to receive a grant to boost their business marketing and/or product-production.
- Access to Market: Participants of the programme will engage in at least one Pop-up market during the programme; and gain a chance to competitively qualify to participate in fashion sector showcases as part of the Creative DNA alumni team.
- Information sharing: Access to business discussions and information sharing sessions conducted in hybrid format (online and face to face) via webinars and panel discussions dubbed Fashion Fridays.