Ubuntu Life

Hi everyone! I am a Sophomore at Syracuse University studying Retail Management and Supply Chain Management and am on the 2024 Kenya Cultural Immersion Trip. I chose to come on the Immersion Experience because I wanted to learn more about the luxury fashion industry in the Global South and contrast its business practices to those in the US. Every person on the trip has a unique partner or set of partners, and I have been fortunate enough to work with Sandstorm Kenya , Buttons and Bows, African Lifestyle Hub , Ikwetta , and Slowli . These Kenyan retailers all focus on creating quality products, ranging from luxury leather to organic cottons, that emphasize sustainability and ethical practices. Their work to promote slow fashion and tell a story through their offerings is truly inspiring. Today, the Kenya Cultural Immersion team travelled to Mai Mahiu, where we toured the facilities of Ubuntu Life — a lifestyle brand that provides meaningful employment for the local community. The word “Ubuntu” in Swahili translates to “I am because we are.” Learning about not only the retail location but also the Ubuntu Life Foundation, aimed to support local children’s special physical and educational needs, was a true testament to the brand’s commitment to philanthropy. Next up, we will be heading to the Child Discovery Center to learn more about education in Kenya. Stay tuned for more updates on the rest of our time in Kenya with Syracuse University - Martin J. Whitman School of Management !

Excited for the latest growing partnership with Marvel Entertainment! Through this collaboration we are empowering lives everyday in Kenya and spreading the word about the great innovations and possibilities happening across Africa!

The Ubuntu Life Team was honored to be invited by Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika & US Ambassador Meg Whitman at the County Investment Forum. It was a great opportunity to pitch to investors & potential investors in Nakuru County, which is Ubuntu’s home county. Our very own Rubie Ruth, Head of Ubuntu Operations, did a phenomenal job representing our team and 20 year presence in the County. 🌍🇰🇪 Governor Kihika described Nakuru County as the #investment destiny blessed with central location in Kenya, rich soils, an educated workforce, cheap geothermal energy, favourable tax and investment incentives, a business friendly environment, political stability and a supportive County Government. The meeting attracted large investors in dairy, pyrethrum, potato, floriculture, poultry and apparel value chains; health, solid and water waste management, information technology, education band hospitality. Investors who have a foothold in Nakuru praised the attractiveness of the County to investors during the panel discussions and roundtable engagements. Ambassador Meg praised Governor Kihika, saying she was the first governor to organize an investment forum in line with the "Why Kenya, Why Counties" narrative. She said Nakuru was a unique County as she rallies investors, both local and international, to invest in Nakuru. Present were #usaid Deputy Mission Director Sheila Roquitte, Deputy Governor H E David Kones, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, County Secretary Samuel Mwaura, Chief of Staff Peter Ketienya, CECMS Stephen Kuria (Trade), Nelson Maara (Environment), Stephen Njogu (Finance), Roselyne Mungai (Health), Zipporah Ngugi (Education), Jackie Osoro ( Public Service), John Kihagi (Lands), Michael Kamau (Infrastructure), Leonard Bor (Agriculture)MCAs and Chief Officers. #kenya #business #development