“The Sustainable Fashion Transition” was a campaign initiated by Nairobi Fashion Week with the goal of raising awareness about the fair transition of Kenya’s Fashion Industry. The campaign engaged relevant stakeholders who had already adopted sustainable practices in their work and those aiming to make the transition.

The Sustainable Fashion Transition campaign kicked off in April 2023 in Nairobi, a city whose name is derived from the Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi,” meaning “the place of cool waters.” This referenced the Nairobi River, which, unfortunately, had become a dumping ground for waste textiles, especially along the banks in Gikomba Market.

This campaign sought to showcase stakeholders prioritizing ethical practices, social responsibility, and environmental consciousness within the sustainable fashion industry. By highlighting these values, the aim was to inspire the entire fashion industry to move towards a more sustainable future.

Additionally, the campaign advocated for a just and green transition in Kenya’s fashion industry by fostering constructive dialogue between the government, private sector, and the public. The goal was to generate international interest in Kenya’s vibrant slow fashion industry among designers, manufacturers, development partners, and fashion influencers.

Art played a significant role in the campaign, creating awareness of the interconnectedness of sustainable fashion and environmental conservation, aiming to inspire social activism.