Tabaka Soapstone

Cottage Industries in Kisii

Tabaka Soapstone Industry: A Bearing Knack

“For years, soapstone carving has been a lucrative venture for hundreds of South Mugirango residents in Kisii County, but not until middlemen, seen as contributing to high unemployment and poverty rates, raided the market. The locations around the Tabaka Quarry had become a robust economy with every family assured of livelihood. Today, things seem to be falling apart as majority of the sculptors have hibernated into their homes whiling away time in illicit liquor dens”. – Erick Abuga

The soapstone craft and carving at Tabaka in Gucha South has been on-going since 1885 and is one of the well-documented touring launches in Kisii County. Then and now, Kisii Stone, more proper soap stone, has been mined using shovels, crowbars, wedges, and hammers, in and around the village of Tabaka. Each piece of stone is carved using hand tools such as machetes, saws, adzes, and knives. After carving, the fancy pieces are sanded and then dyed before the designers take over and paint or carve patterns into the stone. The last process is polishing which is done with floor or shoe polish, and shredded sisal rope.

The sales of these carvings brings valuable employment to the area where most households are involved in some form of the production process. Rather more importantly, for many generations now, it has been a family-oriented operation, and the productions of the handcrafted goods has preserved a kindred heritage of skills. Be that as it may be labour-intensive goods, relying on elbow grease and perseverance, often under the hot African sun, Tabaka soapstone industry, with its many advantages, has been a cherished cottage industry locally and nationally.

The mining of soapstone at Tabaka is a significant economic activity in Kisii that still provides income for over 5000 people. Takaba soapstone is mainly used in the crafting of intricate carvings, eventually sold in both the local and global markets. At Tabaka, the main road is lined by select curio shops, stocked with beautifully crafted sculptures and souvenirs. A visit to Tabaka town, and better still a purchase of any memento, is a great gesture to pay homage to this trade. The Tabaka Soapstone Industry is found at Tabaka, about 24 km west of Kisii town.

Cottage industries play a vital role in Kenya’s economy, particularly in rural areas where they provide employment and preserve traditional skills. These small-scale, home-based enterprises are diverse and contribute significantly to local economies. Cottage industries In Kenya are diverse and integral to the cultural and economic fabric. For the travellers, these offer colourful and friendly markets.

Index of Cottage Industries in Kenya



Embu County - Ancient Mbeere Terraces, Kakamega County - Ilesi Pottery Centre, Rosterman Mines, Kisii County - Tabaka Soapstone, Kwale County - Lima Self Help Group, Lamu County - Matondoni Boat Workshop, Manda Coral Mining, Machakos County - The Masaku Flea & Curio Market, Wamunyu Handicraft Society, Makueni County - Makueni Fruit Plant, Makindu Handicrafts, Migori County - Macalder Mines, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus Curio, The Bombolulu Workshop, Akamba Handicraft Society, Nairobi County - Masai Market, Utamaduni Craft Centre, Narok County - Kikoy Market, Vihiga County - Kichutu Gold Mine, Givavei Artisans, Obida Ombima Mill, Wajir County - Wajir Livestock Market, West Pokot County - Alale Gold Mines

Kisii County is a vibrant region with a strong agrarian base, rich cultural heritage, and a growing economy. Continued development in infrastructure, with smooth blacktop connecting major towns and rural areas, has made it accessible from all directions. Kisii County’s scenic hills, waterfalls, cottage industries and modern hotels offer opportunities for visiting a region erstwhile relegated as agrarian.