Daniel Mutie Kioko: Meet Machakos Student Making Hair Braids From Sisal

• Kenyan women might soon have the option of picking between synthetic hair braids and those sourced naturally
• A Machakos cosmetology student has come up with an innovation which uses sisal to make stylish braids
• The student said the innovation was inspired by the needs of women who are allergic to synthetic braids
• He explained all the steps that he takes the sisal through before it becomes a smooth and durable hair braid

A student from Katine Technical Training Institute in Machakos county has stunned many with an innovative project that uses the sisal plant to create hair braids.

Daniel Mutie Kioko, a cosmetology student, says he conceived the idea to offer a natural alternative for those allergic to synthetic hair.

He noted that his idea was based on the fact that sisals are used to make ropes.

“I came up with the product to cater for those who are allergic to synthetic braids. I looked at sisal and wondered, ‘if it can make ropes, then why can’t it make braids?’” the student explained.

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The cosmetology student pointed out that the braids he makes from sisal are not only durable, compared to the synthetic ones, but they also maintain their shape without loosening for a long time.

He said the braids have already been tried on several people.

“We use it in small volumes because it is very heavy, but once set, it is long-lasting and the shape does not change,” Kioko explained.

How Machakos student makes braids from sisal

To make the braids, the student uses the traditional method of processing sisal by using a panga before refining it to remove irritation.

“I wash it several times using conditioner, comb it repeatedly, and then dye it into different colours before drying. The result is smooth, stylish, and ready for use,” he noted.

The sisal plant is readily available around the Katine TTI where he studies, making the production process cheaper compared to buying synthetic hair extensions.

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With the right mentorship and support, Kioko hopes to commercialise his innovation and create a new wave of beauty products proudly made in Kenya.

His innovation has already caught the eye of the Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Principal Secretary Esther Muoria.

What government promised innovative Machakos student

Muoria, who recently visited the institution, said the government will support the innovation to ensure it succeeds.

“We will help polish and fine-tune this project so that it can get into the market. This is exactly the type of homegrown innovation that we want TVET students to focus on,” the PS said.

She emphasised that such projects not only boost self-reliance but also have the potential to create new industries and job opportunities for young people.

The PS further revealed that the government projects student enrollment in TVET institutions across the country to rise to two million by the end of this year.

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“TVETs are not an alternative to universities; they are a unique pathway on their own. Currently, we have 800,000 students enrolled, and our goal is to significantly increase that number. Those joining TVETs have not failed; you cannot determine a person’s potential based on a single examination,” said PS Muoria.

Baringo ICT students helping honey vendors

Previously, TUKO.co.ke reported about a group of female students from Baringo county who have developed a website to market locally produced honey.

The Emining Technical Training Institute students said the website seeks to address the access to market challenge that women vendors have been facing for years.

Most of the women often line up along the busy roads in the hope that they will get customers to purchase their honey.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke