Baobab is a manufacturer of high quality leather goods, located in Nanyuki, close to Mount Kenya. Its main objective is to provide the global marketplace with a brand of high quality bags and related items whose focus is on simplicity, durability and style. Designed & Made In Kenya The original 'safari' destination Kenya's economic links to tourism can be traced back to the British colonial period, due in large part to the construction of a railway line linking the port of Mombasa to the interior of the country and beyond. In fact, Nairobi owes its entire existence to the railway.

After Kenya re-gained its independence in 1963, Jomo Kenyatta's government, sensibly chose to capitalize on Kenya's reputation as the #1 destination for big game safaris.

Long before independence, Kenyan artisans had established themselves as a sizeable 'informal' sector, known locally as 'jua kali'; (kiswahili for 'hot sun').This vast network of artisans producing and marketing tourist-aimed products continues to this day. Quality is our main priority Our main aim is to provide a product of consistently high quality which we also believe is affordable. We believe that the highly diverse Kenyan artisan culture can collectively produce world class products. Our project is also about collaboration. We work with 'grass roots' businesses whenever possible. Through this approach, we hope we can provide various different artisan communities with sustainable livelihoods. Coco Chanel 'Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance' We believe that simplicity should be a key component of good design, just as long as functionality does not become compromised in any way. Many of our bags have taken inspiration from the military, which generally regard functionality and durability as key to their design language. Our mission is to create and manufacture products that combine these three basic principles of design simplicity, functionality and durability. Collaboration is key to success A shared love of motorcycling has seen Baobab collaborate with Nairobi based micro-brand 'Spirit Motorcycles', by producing seats and other accessories for their bespoke custom motorcycle line. Baobab is not confined simply to leather work. We undertake projects involving architectural design and construction project management, (with an emphasis on traditional artisan skills such as decorative plasterwork and wood carving).
Baobab works with grass roots artisans when possible also using locally and ethically sourced raw materials. Our fabrics are from individual vendors and not large retailers. We prefer to use the pastoral leathers available in Kenya, contributing vital income to one of the most marginalized communities in Kenya, the Maasai. Brass-making makes up a sizable sub-sector of the Kenyan bag making industry, with dozens of individual artisans operating as a supply network. We choose to source in this way, preferring to work with work with micro-businesses, making sure there's a trickle down effect to many individuals.
Supporting 'Grass roots' artisans