'Buy Kenya': Designers, faith leaders push local fashion at Nairobi forum

Designers, ministers, models and entrepreneurs converged in Nairobi for an event that explored the intersection of fashion and faith, with speakers highlighting the creative industry's potential to influence society and create jobs.

Dubbed The Mantle Presents: Word on the Runway 2, the event was held at the PrideInn Azure Hotel in Westlands under the theme Awakened to Responsible Influence.

It brought together fashion designers, ministers, models, entrepreneurs and other creatives for runway showcases, panel discussions and networking sessions.

Among the speakers was Music and Entertainment Mentorship Association (MEMA Africa) CEO Dr Ezekiel Mutua, who urged young people to view fashion as a viable source of employment.

"The way to create jobs today, at a time when many are talking about unemployment, is to invest in spaces such as the creative and fashion industries," he said.

Mutua added that partnerships within the creative sector could help give upcoming designers greater exposure and opportunities to grow.

Organiser Hadassah Esther said the initiative was designed to spark conversations around the relationship between faith and creativity.

"While what people see is a fashion showcase, there is also wisdom, knowledge and understanding shared through speakers and panel discussions. By the time people leave this room, we want them to experience a change of perception," she said.

She added that fashion goes beyond clothing and trends, describing it as a form of identity and communication.

"I believe fashion is about identity. It signals who you really are, and it can be utilised as a language to disciple a generation," she said.

Fashion designer Liza Christopherson, popularly known as Makena, encouraged Kenyans to support locally made products.

"We have to buy Kenya and build Kenya. Let's stop believing that good clothes must come from abroad when we have talented designers right here," she said.

The event also featured runway presentations by emerging designers, performances and exhibitions by local vendors, showcasing opportunities within the creative economy.

Organisers said the event sought to encourage dialogue on the role of fashion within Christian communities, arguing that creativity and faith can coexist while creating opportunities for self-expression and economic empowerment.