Undugu Society of Kenya

Undugu is a Kiswahili word for solidarity and brotherhood. Undugu Society of Kenya, located in Nairobi, addresses the needs of the urban poor, with the goal of defending the rights and welfare of children in special circumstances. Undugu touches thousands of underprivileged Kenyans through small enterprise development, informal skills training, affordable shelter, job creation and health programs. Undugu also provides food, shelter, education and rehabilitation for street children. Undugu works with artisans in Kisii, Turkana, Machakos and Nairobi to market their stone carvings, baskets and other handicrafts.

Undugu was established in 1973, initially to help street children, and is the oldest organization for street children in Africa. It has become one of the leading rehabilitation agencies for street children in Africa. Undugu is a member of IFAT, the International Fair Trade Association.

The Undugu Fair Trade Unit works to increase opportunities for local handicraft producers to have sustainable access to livelihood. The unit empowers artisans, providing market outlets, product development training and market information.

Ten Thousand Villages purchases kisii stone carvings, hamper baskets, carved gourd ornaments and wooden salad servers from Undugu Society. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Undugu Society since 1986.