Takawiri initiative: The hyacinth paper

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Did you know that hyacinth is far much productive than the crops that have been carefully cultivated by man under the ideal conditions of fertilization, irrigation and pest control? In many states of the world it is a disaster. According to UNEP report, Lake Victoria is experiencing a crisis between aquatic life and the plant. Researches have been done to turn water hyacinth into a profitable crop instead of a serious pest.

Michael Otieno began making paper from hyacinth 10 years ago. Otieno has perfectly perfected his daily routine of going to Lake Victoria in search of raw material. After harvesting the hyacinth it is then cut into small pieces before boiling it to soften it. His main idea of establishing Takawiri enterprise was to provide income and create job opportunities for his community. He has employed 30 people in the quest of transforming lives in Kisumu. The developed paper is used to make business cards, envelopes, gift cards, Christmas cards, notebooks among other products.

Takawiri got a startup capital of 60,000 US dollars grant from NETFUND to facilitate its operations. This has enabled the project increase its production capacity by 400% since its inception. Hyacinth has been a blessing to him and his community in disguise. Edward Orato a local artist who runs a curio shop in Kisumu City is one of the customers of Takawiri papers as he uses them for his artistic work. He describes it as inexpensive, easily available and has a unique texture which gives his painting a unique competitive edge in the market.

Takawiri got an opportunity to showcase his project at the African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ASENTI) 2016 themed “Africa rethinking innovation” hence positioning his skills and expertise in the global market.

Takawiri target market include corporates like Jarida craft, Ajiri Tea, Kick Trading Limited, NETFUND amongst others. He also targets events like weddings, academic institutions like universities during graduation ceremonies, secondary and primary schools during exam periods. The initiative turnover for 2015 was sh 250,000 and 450,000 in 2016. More developments are anticipated from this noble project in future.