NAROK County Ushanga Initiative

24/07/2026

Welcome to the Ushanga Initiative Exhibition Booth at the Narok County Agricultural, Environment & Climate Change Exhibition 2026.
The Ushanga Initiative is proudly showcased by the Department of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, where visitors can explore the rich heritage of Maasai beadwork, learn about the initiative's role in empowering local women artisans, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Karibuni Sana.

23/05/2026

The Narok County Ushanga Initiative hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage Hannah Cheptumo , alongside the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Culture and Heritage Ummi Bashir , and Ushanga CEO Dorothy Mashipei , during an inspection tour of the ongoing Phase I construction works of the Sekenani Ushanga Mall, which is close to completion.

The delegation further toured the beadwork stalls at Keekorok Airstrip, an initiative spearheaded by H.E. Governor to provide local women artisans with a platform to market and sell their beadwork products to tourists.

While at the Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF) International Center in Ewaso Nyiro Trading Centre, the visit demonstrated the continued partnership between the County Government of Narok and the Ministry of Culture in promoting women empowerment, preserving the rich Maa cultural heritage, and transforming traditional beadwork into sustainable economic ventures with international reach.

The inspection tour was led by CECM for Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Robert Simotwo together with Director of the Ushanga Initiative Rebecca Seenoi .

26/04/2026

Narok County showcased a rich and colourful display of traditional beadwork at the inaugural International Conference and Trade Fair on Indigenous Knowledge and Intellectual Assets (IKIA) 2026 held in Murang’a County.

The Enkarewa and Olokesena were among the standout indigenous knowledge assets from Narok County, drawing attention through their unique beadwork designs and traditional attire presented at the trade fair.

The conference and trade fair, themed “Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Kenya’s Indigenous Wealth: A New Growth Area for the Economy,” brought together key stakeholders to explore the economic potential of indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage resources.

Representing the Ushanga Initiative team was Rebecca Seenoi, Director of the Ushanga Initiative.

21/03/2026

17/02/2026

The Narok County Department of Tourism ,Wildlife and Culture conducted an inspection of the progress of the ongoing construction of the new Ushanga Market at Sekenani Gate in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

During the visit, the team assessed the progress of works and emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the facility’s design. A key highlight was the provision of a dedicated nursing room to support mothers with young children, ensuring they can continue conducting their businesses in a safe and conducive environment.

The inspection was led by the CECM for Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, Robert Simotwo. Also present were the Director of the Ushanga Initiative, Rebecca Seenoi; Director of Culture, Violet Sikawa; Chief Park Warden, Stephen Ole Minis; and Assistant Director of Tourism, Marley Sianto.

The Ushanga Market project is aimed at enhancing market infrastructure, empowering local women traders, and strengthening cultural tourism within the reserve.

13/02/2026

CECM for Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, Robert Simotwo, met with women under the Ushanga Initiative at Talek Gate in Maasai Mara National Reserve to assess their working conditions and discuss strategies to strengthen their cultural enterprises within the tourism value chain.

During the engagement, the women highlighted key challenges affecting their operations, notably the need for proper shades at Talek Gate to protect their beadwork from harsh weather conditions and to provide a conducive environment for business. They also expressed the need for entrepreneurial and marketing training to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of their beadwork products in both local and international markets.

The CECM reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to strengthening cultural enterprises as a means of empowering women economically while preserving the Maasai heritage.

In attendance were Rebecca Seenoi Director Ushanga Initiative, and Violet Sikawa Director Culture.

20/03/2025

MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE.

We sincerely thank His Excellency the Governor of Narok County for graciously giving audience to the women of Ushanga, attentively listening to their issues, and offering a way forward . Your commitment to women’s empowerment is truly commendable.

28/09/2023

Privileged to showcase the works of our ushanga women to Hon. Moses Kuria Cabinet Secretary for Investments , Trade and Industry, Hon. Patrick Ole Ntutu - Governor, Narok County during the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Narok Industrial Park.

22/08/2023

Mama county is happy.
Welcome to Sekenani Mara.
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