Founded in 1984, Trinity Jewellery is a small jewellery-making business located on the edge of the Dandora slums, one of the poorest sections of Nairobi and home to thousands of Kenyans. Joseph Muchina, the director, and the other two founding members of Trinity grew up in the neighbourhood. Like most slum children, Joseph grew up without a father and was unable to go to school. He and his friends were educated and trained in jewellery creation at a handicraft project of the National Christian Council of Kenya. This training changed their lives.
As a private entrepreneur, Joseph has returned to share his business expertise, helping others from the slums by providing employment opportunities in this ethically-run business. He does all of the jewellery design using brass, leather, beads, reeds, bone, shells, and wood, finding his inspiration in traditional African jewellery. Joseph believes that economic opportunity, rather than handouts from government or charities, is the most effective way to address poverty.
Trinity’s two-story space includes an office, showroom and workshop. In addition to their monthly salary, the 24 artisans – 12 full time and 12 part time – all participate in a profit-sharing plan and try to set aside 10% of their earnings each month in a pension plan. Trinity has also instituted a savings plan which some artisans have used in order to set up their own businesses.
Products from Trinity Jewellery Crafts 
