KICK does product development and marketing for Kenyan artisans working out of their own homes and workshops. We are based in Kisumu, a city of about 900,000 with high unemployment and underemployment. Kisumu has a high incidence of HIV/AIDS as compared to the national average, which affects many artisans and their families. KICK focuses on creating employment and income generation opportunities f
or Kenyan artisans, working with disadvantaged artisans, and connecting artisans to global markets on fair trade terms. Artisan benefits include training, counseling, and product development and design help and access to global markets. The present incarnation of KICK Trading was formed in 2005. (An earlier form of the company, known simply as KICK, existed as a nonprofit development organization from 1994.) KICK Trading was reorganized as an independent company with artisans as stakeholders. Artisans work cooperatively with hands-on involvement in the company, which seeks to build on existing strengths of Kisumu artisans. KICK Trading emphasizes new product development and design. Artisans who create designs receive a percentage of sales for that design, encouraging innovation. Artisans produce products with recycled wire, sheet metal, wrought iron, water hyacinths rope, papyrus, soda cans and waste paper. Products include ornaments, greeting cards, mobiles, home decor and gift items. Over 90 percent of products are made from recycled material (metal, wire, etc.). Most importantly, KICK was recognized in 2011 as a Seed Initiative winner. SEED is an initiative that was founded by UNEP, UNDP and IUCN. Please see www.seedinit.org for more.
