On a bright Saturday afternoon in Karen, something special unfolded - a moment where history, artistry, and cross-cultural connection came together in one unforgettable launch. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Nairobi, in partnership with AfricaCentric Entertainment, unveiled Shanga Trails, a cultural diplomacy initiative honouring the centuries-old relationship between Czech glassmaking and Kenya’s beadwork heritage.
Hosted at the Opportunity Factory, the launch brought together designers, artisans, cultural leaders, musicians, and partners from both Kenya and Czechia for a celebration of creativity grounded in shared tradition. And for us at Sandstorm Kenya, it was an honour to stand at the heart of it.
A Story Told Through Beads
“Shanga,” the Swahili word for beads, is a symbol deeply embedded in Kenyan culture. Across communities such as the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, Rendille, and others, beadwork has long been used to express identity, beauty, love, and belonging.
What many don’t know, however, is that the tiny glass beads woven into these intricate designs trace their origins back to Czechia, whose artisans have mastered the craft of glass beadmaking for centuries. For generations, Czech beads have travelled across continents and Kenyan artisans transformed them into powerful symbols of cultural pride. Shanga Trails brings this forgotten connection into the spotlight.
Our Debut: Sandstorm’s Beaded Suede Leather Collection
At the launch, Sandstorm unveiled our newest collection: glass-beaded suede leather bags, designed in collaboration with Wini Awuondo and handcrafted by artisan beading communities across Kenya.
Each bag is embellished with Czech glass beads from Preciosa Ornela, blending Czech precision and Kenyan heritage with unmistakable Sandstorm craftsmanship. It is a tribute to the hands that cut, stitch, bead, weave, and finish every piece - a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the artistry that connects us. Seeing guests admire the bags, ask about their stories, and appreciate the skill behind each bead was one of our proudest moments.
Honoured Guests & Powerful Voices
We were privileged to host an esteemed group of guests whose presence underscored the importance of this cultural initiative. Among them were:
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H.E. Nicol Adamcová, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Kenya
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Shem Opiyo (CEO) and Isaac Awuondo (Chairman) of Sandstorm Kenya
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Rajesh Haria, Founder of Raj Ushanga, Kenya’s long-standing importer of Czech beads
- Ms. Ummi Bashir, CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Culture, The Arts and Heritage
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Marek Fuchs, Campaign Organiser and Founder of ACE
Their remarks highlighted the shared cultural journey between Kenya and Czechia, the resilience of artisan communities, and the power of craft to build meaningful bridges.
A Showcase of Creativity
The event also featured a vibrant artistic showcase, including:
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Sandstorm’s beaded suede leather collection
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Contemporary bead-integrated fashion by Studio Namnyak
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Handcrafted timepieces by SUED Watches
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A stunning live trumpet performance by Judah Onesimus, a Kenyan musician trained at the Prague Conservatory
Each element reflected the heart of Shanga Trails - creativity, collaboration, and community.
Craft That Connects Us
For us at Sandstorm, being part of Shanga Trails is more than a collaboration. It is a recognition of the artisans we work with, the traditions we honour, and the beauty that Kenyan hands create every day. It is an opportunity to spotlight local craft on a global stage and celebrate the quiet, woven connections that bring cultures together.
The beaded suede leather bags featured at the launch are now available in-store and on our website - each one carrying a story that spans continents, cultures, and generations.
Shanga Trails is a reminder that design is more than what we make - it’s who we are, how we connect, and what we choose to preserve.
