Kazuri, which means "small and beautiful" in Swahili was founded in 1975 by Lady Susan Wood, a daughter of English missionaries. In 1988, Kazuri became a factory and expanded to employ over 120 women and men.
Today Kazuri produces a wide range of handmade, hand painted ceramic jewelry that shines with a kaleidoscope of African colors and Kenyan art that reflects the culture and the wildlife of Kenya and appeal to a worldwide fashion market. Each bead is shaped by hand, then polished and kiln fired, painted and fired again before being strung into a necklace. Kazuri's beautifully finished products are made to an international standard and are sold worldwide. These standards are maintained through high training standards and a highly motivated management team.
Their workshop is still located on a portion of the farm once owned by Karen Von Blixen, of 'Out of Africa' fame, at the base of the Ngong Hills outside Nairobi.