The Story of Kisii Stone: Preserving Soapstone Craftsmanship in Tabaka, Kenya
Reviving Kenya’s Kisii Stone Tradition: Our Partnership with Undugu Fair Trade
In the rolling hills of southwestern Kenya, there is a small region where artistry rises straight from the earth. In Tabaka, soapstone, more widely known as Kisii stone, has shaped generations of livelihoods, heritage, and handmade tradition. Today, that tradition is at a turning point.
At Gitzell FairTrade, we are proud to partner with Undugu Fair Trade, a WFTO member organization working directly with carving communities in Kenya to preserve this extraordinary craft and connect artisans to sustainable markets. Through this partnership, we are committed to ensuring Kisii stone carving remains not only a cultural legacy, but a thriving fair trade industry for the future.
Our Soapstone Collection is now ready to shop, featuring hand-carved animals, bowls, and decorative pieces made in Kenya from authentic Kisii stone.
The Living Archive of Kisii Stone
When we visited Tabaka, we met a man known simply as British, a nickname likely earned from his eloquence and distinct British accent. But his name represents much more than charm.
British is considered the living archive of soapstone in Tabaka. He carries the history of Kisii stone in his memory, sharing stories of the industry’s rise, its peak, and its struggle to survive today. His knowledge is not written in books, it lives through lived experience, passed down through the rhythms of daily work and community tradition.
What is Kisii Stone?
Soapstone, or Kisii stone, is a soft mineral found only in a 35-kilometer radius in this part of Kenya. Formed deep underground, it is prized for its natural beauty and creamy palette of soft whites, pinks, and greys.
Because of its smooth texture and workability, Kisii stone can be transformed with simple tools, a chisel, a rasp, and patience. Master carvers shape it into:
-
Animal figurines
-
Decorative bowls
-
Sculptural ornaments
-
Handmade artwork and home décor
The mining method in Tabaka is open cast (open pit) mining, as the stone is located close to the surface. This makes Kisii stone not only accessible, but deeply tied to the local landscape and community economy.
When Soapstone Was the Backbone of Tabaka
British remembers a time when soapstone carving was the economic heartbeat of Tabaka. It operated almost like a cash crop in an agricultural region, fueling daily work for miners, carvers, polishers, and traders.
At its peak, nearly two hundred workers crowded his yard each day, chiseling stone and polishing pieces to meet steady international demand. Orders were large. The energy was constant. The future felt secure.
A Craft in Decline
But today, the story has shifted.
When we visited last month, British’s yard held only six craftsmen, four carving, and two waiting quietly, hoping for a single order.
On our way into Tabaka, Fred Masinde of Undugu Fair Trade pointed out what used to be rows of carving shops. Many have now been shuttered. Others have been converted into unrelated businesses. The quiet storefronts stand as evidence of an industry that once buzzed with activity and purpose.
This decline is not due to a lack of skill.
The talent remains.
The stone remains.
The craftsmanship is still extraordinary.
What has faded is the market.
Without consistent buyers, new traders, and stronger export linkages, a cultural industry that has supported families for generations risks disappearing.
Why Kisii Stone Deserves a Global Future
Soapstone carving should not be viewed as a relic of Kenya’s past. It is a sustainable artistic trade with global appeal, one that blends heritage, design, and natural materials into timeless home décor.
Supporting Kisii stone artisans means supporting:
-
fair trade wages
-
sustainable livelihoods
-
skilled craftsmanship
-
cultural preservation
-
economic opportunity for rural communities
When buyers choose handmade, they invest in something deeper than décor—they invest in people.
Our Partnership with Undugu Fair Trade
Undugu Fair Trade, a proud member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), has partnered with Gitzell FairTrade International, a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF), to help bring renewed attention and opportunity to Tabaka’s soapstone artisans.
This partnership is part of a wake-up call, an effort to rebuild market demand and ensure artisans are paid fairly for their skill, time, and cultural work.
Because the truth is simple:
the more we sell, the more livelihoods improve.
For those interested in becoming distributors within the United States, wholesale pricing is available, creating a pathway for expanded market reach and long-term growth.
We also look forward to the renewal of AGOA, which has the potential to strengthen fair trade export opportunities and support the future of artisan industries like Kisii stone carving.
Shop the Soapstone Collection
We are honored to share this work with you.
Our handcrafted Kisii stone pieces are now available to shop, including animal figurines, decorative bowls, and one-of-a-kind carved home accents, each made by skilled artisans in Kenya using authentic Kisii stone found only in this region.
When you purchase these pieces, you are helping keep a traditional craft alive and supporting artisan families in Tabaka with sustainable, dignified work.
Shop the Soapstone Collection Now →
From the blog
View all
