SOKO Kenya is much more than just a clothing factory. Situated in Kikambala, Kilifi in Kenya, SOKO offers cut, make and trim services in an eco-factory built from compressed earth. Producing high-quality clothing while providing living wage jobs, supporting people to lift themselves out of poverty and making a meaningful impact on a local community, founder Joanna Maiden uses the fashion industry as a force for good. They work with brands such as Alémais, Hayley Menzies, Wales Bonner, and Zuri. Joanna says, “These collaborations are built on shared values, sustainability, ethics, and a commitment to quality. We’re not just a supplier, we’re partners in creating beautiful, meaningful products that both we and our clients can be proud of.” Nobanzi Sokhuthu spoke to Joanna:

What need did you identify and why did you found SOKO Kenya?

I grew up in the UK and on completing my fashion and textiles degree I started working with fashion brands in London. I learnt that brands were looking for transparency in their supply chain and the more, I learnt about the fashion industry the more I realised how complex supply chains were and at the time – around 2005 – there was very little access to information about the people who were making our clothes. Any information I found illustrated poor working conditions and very low wages.

Why did you choose the textile and manufacturing industry?

I chose the textile and manufacturing industry because I’ve always been captivated by fashion, the trends, the construction, the design process, but also by the potential it has to drive social change.  From a young age I was intrigued by development economics and the impact of the global north on poverty and climate devastation in the global south. I started to see how social justice and fashion could intersect, and I became passionate about using the fashion industry as a force for good. Sustainability is crucial to me because it’s about being responsible stewards of the environment and ensuring that the people behind the clothes are treated with dignity and respect.

How do you ensure that your manufacturing process is environmentally sustainable and responsible?

We’re deeply committed to ensuring our manufacturing process is as environmentally sustainable and responsible as possible. For instance, 75% of our factory’s energy comes from on-site solar panels, and we have rainwater tanks to make our water usage self-sufficient. Waste is another area we focus on, we reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. For example, fabric waste from our operations is donated to the Kujuwa Initiative, our social enterprise, where it is repurposed into washable sanitary pads, directly benefiting the community and minimising our environmental footprint.

How will climate change and the global sustainability agenda change the industry as we approach 2030?

As we move towards 2030, I believe the fashion and textile manufacturing industry will face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Climate change and the global sustainability agenda are pushing both consumers and companies to be more mindful of their impact. We’ll likely see a shift towards greater transparency in supply chains, more innovation in sustainable materials, and a stronger emphasis on reducing carbon footprints. The industry will need to adapt quickly to these changes, and those who don’t may find themselves left behind.

What does it mean to be Sedex approved? And what are the benefits of being certified?

Being Sedex approved is a significant milestone for us because it means we’ve met rigorous standards for ethical and responsible business practices, as verified by the SMETA audit. According to our SMETA report, we showcase good examples such as providing all workers with wages well above the legal minimum, with starting salaries 84% higher than the minimum wage, offering free meals and tea, allowing nursing mothers to leave an hour early, and providing free childcare for mothers with children aged two to four years. This certification reflects our commitment to responsible business practices, enhances our credibility with clients and partners, and demonstrates our dedication to transparency and ethical manufacturing.

Tell us about the Kujuwa Initiative.

The Kujuwa Initiative was born out of a desire to tackle period poverty and improve menstrual hygiene in our community. We make washable sanitary pads from fabric waste, which not only reduces environmental impact but also provide a vital resource for women and girls. We were inspired to start this initiative because we saw firsthand the challenges many women and girls face in managing their periods safely and with dignity. This initiative aligns perfectly with SOKO Kenya’s mission to use our resources and capabilities to drive positive change, it’s another way we’re leveraging our work to support the community and promote sustainability.

Tell us about sustainable fashion in Kenya? How would you describe the fashion industry in Kenya?

Sustainable fashion in Kenya is growing, and at SOKO Kenya, we’re committed to leading by example. We believe that high-quality, ethically produced fashion can thrive both locally and internationally, and we’re working every day to show that it’s possible. By embedding sustainability into everything we do, from our energy use to waste management to how we care for our team, we’re not just participating in this movement, we’re helping to shape it. While there are still challenges in expanding these practices across the industry, we’re hopeful that our efforts will inspire others to join us in making sustainability the norm.

Doing good can be fulfilling but can also be equally stressful, what motivates you to keep going?

What keeps me going is seeing the impact of our work, whether it’s helping an employee gain financial independence, improving health through access to quality medical care, or seeing our products worn and loved by people around the world. The challenges are real, but the positive changes we’re making, both within our team and in the broader community, drive me to keep pushing forward.

How do you foster the relations you have with collaborators and like-minded businesses?

Building strong, long-lasting relationships with collaborators is all about open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals. We actively engage with our partners through industry events, social media, and direct interactions. I’m passionate about creating partnerships that are not just about business, but about mutual success and growth, where we face challenges together and celebrate successes together.

What is one thing you wish you had learned about sustainable fashion at the start of your journey?

Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it can’t be done!

• To find out more about SOKO Kenya check their website
• One image sourced from website features a sample item
• The rest of the images supplied and feature the SOKO Kenya production team