VIDEO: Creative Kenyan Innovator Provides An Alternative To Buying Asian Hair By Turning Sisal Into Stylish Extensions

A young Kenyan entrepreneur is making waves with a business idea that’s turning heads—and it’s all thanks to a project by the Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Nairobi. Meet Assumpta Khasabuli, the mastermind behind a unique and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic hair extensions. Her secret? Sisal, a natural fiber traditionally used for ropes and mats, is now being transformed into stunning hair extensions, braids, and weaves.

Assumpta’s innovative approach is not just about looking good; it’s about doing good too. These biodegradable extensions are kinder to the environment and, according to Assumpta, they’re kinder to your hair as well. “I make my hair using the sisal hair extension and for over a year, I have never experienced hair loss. In fact, the more one recycles the hair extension, the softer they become,” she revealed. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they’re also easier on the wallet, making them a hit among local hairdressers and customers in Kakamega.

Her journey from idea to enterprise took a major leap when she topped a business incubation program run by the Jesuit Hakimani Centre, bagging a Sh100,000 prize. This windfall allowed her to upscale her business, refine her product, and even work on branding. Now, big names in the beauty industry are taking notice. Darling Kenya, a leading haircare company, is already eyeing her product for potential investment, and Assumpta is set to appear on Lions’ Den Season 4, where she hopes to secure even more support for her venture.