The Nairobi design week took place at Waterfront in Karen.
This cultural event happens annually in March and this year marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 10th anniversary under the theme “We are the ancestors.”
This theme honored the rich heritage of African designs while emphasizing the responsibility of today’s creatives to inspire future generations.
The director and founder of Nairobi design week, Adrian Yannoviak, started this event back in 2015, with the vision to strengthen the Kenyan creative industry and provide East African talent with a platform to showcase their work both locally and globally.
Under his leadership, Nairobi Design Week has evolved into a huge platform that brings African design to the world stage.
The cultural event was a dazzling display of vibrant and colorful designs, where talented designers showcased their creativity through their unique artworks.
The place had a total of sixty physical exhibits, and others got displayed digitally.
The event accommodated all designers from Kenya and also beyond Africa i.e. from Zimbabwe and Uganda.
The event facilitated skill-sharing and collaboration among all creatives thus fostering a sense of community among participants.
A notable highlight from the event was the introduction of Her Folio by Ogilvy Africa, a platform aimed at elevating female creatives across the continent.
This initiative addresses the gender opportunity gap by providing women with a dedicated space to showcase their work and connect with potential collaborators.
Aligning with global trends, the event emphasized sustainable design practices.
Several designers presented works made from recycled materials, highlighting the importance of eco-friendly approaches in modern design.
The Nairobi design week successfully celebrated a decade of African design excellence, addressing critical issues like gender disparity and sustainability.
The 2025 edition’s focus on heritage and future responsibility resonated deeply with participants, reinforcing the festival’s role in shaping the continent’s design narrative.
However, some attendees complained that certain venues were not easily accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, this limited inclusivity. Also, there was the issue of high participation cost .
The fees for workshops and exhibitions were considered high by some local designers, this excluded emerging talents from participating in the event since they lacked enough capital.
Overall, despite these setbacks, Nairobi design week 2025 was a well-executed and inspiring event that continues to shape the future of design in Africa.
BY KAMAU JOYCE WAMBUI
