A social enterprise where artisans with disabilities craft world-renowned Kenyan jewellery, textiles and leatherwork

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre is one of Kenya’s most inspiring cultural stops, a sheltered workshop run by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) where more than 100 artisans handcraft beaded jewelry, woodwork, textiles, and leather goods, alongside a Swahili cultural village and traditional dance performances.

About Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre was established in 1969 by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) as a rehabilitation and self-help project that gives artisans with physical disabilities a dignified livelihood. Today it is one of the largest sheltered workshops in Africa and a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization. The center is divided into four production workshops: jewellery, textiles and tailoring, wood carving, and leatherwork, plus a Swahili cultural homestead. Visitors are guided through every workshop to meet the artisans, watch each stage of production, and learn how raw brass, cow horn, kitenge fabric, and leather are transformed into internationally exported products. The jewellery workshop is the most famous: intricate Maasai-inspired beaded collars, brass earrings and copper cuffs that have been sold in fair-trade shops from Nairobi to New York for decades. The textile workshop hums with treadle sewing machines producing kikoy shirts, table runners, and bags, while the leather workshop turns out sandals, belts, and camera straps stamped with African motifs. The Cultural Village recreates traditional homesteads from nine of Kenya’s coastal and inland communities: Mijikenda, Swahili, Maasai, Luo, Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Turkana, Taita, and Giriama, each with authentic architecture, artifacts, and a resident cultural interpreter. Traditional dance performances take place daily in the central arena. All revenue from the tours and the fair-trade shop goes directly back to the artisans and to APDK’s disability programs across Kenya. A visit to Bombolulu is therefore both a rich cultural experience and one of the most meaningful responsible-tourism stops on the coast.

What Makes It Special

Highlights

Meet the Artisans

Watch skilled craftspeople with disabilities at work in four workshops.

Fair-Trade Shop

Buy jewellery, textiles and leather direct from the makers.

Cultural Village

Nine authentic Kenyan homesteads under one roof.

Traditional Dances

Live coastal and up-country dance performances daily.

Photo Gallery

Inside the experience

A visual journey through Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Center, captured by local photographers.

Things to do

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Center Activities

  • Guided artisan workshop tour
  • Try beading with a Bombolulu craftswoman
  • Traditional dance performance
  • Cultural Village architectural tour
  • Fair-trade jewellery shopping
  • Leather sandal customisation
  • Kitenge tailoring demo
  • Photography with Maasai homestead backdrop
  • Buy directly from the makers
  • Learn Swahili greetings from cultural hosts

Plan Ahead

Visitor information

Entrance Fees

Approx. KSh 800 adults / KSh 400 children (residents cheaper); dance performance included in most packages.

Operating Hours

Mon–Sat 08:00–17:00; Sundays by prior arrangement.

What to Bring

Camera, water, cash for shop purchases (card accepted), comfortable walking shoes.

Safety Tips

Very safe, family-friendly compound with resident security.

Your Visit

What you'll experience

Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre

What to expect

The centre is run by the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya and began in 1969 as a rehabilitation and empowerment project. It operates sheltered workshops where artisans make jewelry, leather goods, textiles, wood items, and cast products for local and international markets. The cultural section adds traditional homestead mock-ups and dance performances, so the visit mixes craft and culture.

You can tour the workshops, watch artisans at work, browse the showroom, and learn about how the project supports livelihoods. The cultural centre also presents Kenyan traditional life through homestead displays and performances. Many visitors describe it as organized, clean, and easy to explore. Bombolulu is more than a tourist stop; it is a social enterprise that helps artisans earn income and stay economically active. That makes it especially worthwhile if you prefer places where tourism directly supports community livelihoods.

Why Choose Us

Why Skynile Adventure Tours

Local Coastal Experts

Our guides are born and raised on the coast, with deep knowledge of every hidden gem and untold story.

Personalized Excursions

Every tour is tailored to your interests, pace, and travel style no shortcut experiences.

Hotel & Airport Pickup

Seamless door-to-door service from your hotel or Moi International Airport to every destination.

Private Tours Available

Enjoy exclusive private tours for couples, families, or small groups seeking intimacy and flexibility.

Multilingual Guides

Communicate comfortably in English, Swahili, French, German, or Italian with our friendly guides.

Budget & Luxury Options

From affordable group tours to premium private experiences we cater to every budget and preference.

Family-Friendly Experiences

Safe, engaging, and educational tours designed for travelers of all ages, including young children.

Fast WhatsApp Support

Instant responses, real-time updates, and 24/7 support via WhatsApp for peace of mind.

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