Joseph Ganda– 254Bolla Footwear
“Shoemaking runs in my blood. It’s been in my family for generations, passed down from my great-great-grandfather. As a child, I loved spending time in my dad’s workshop, watching artisans bring shoes to life—it made me happy, and it sparked something in me.
Fashion is always evolving, and I wanted to create something unique that represents Africa and where I come from—the ghetto. This journey isn’t just about design; it’s about pushing boundaries, creating opportunities, and finding employment for others.
For Kibera Fashion Week, we’re crafting 18 pairs of shoes, each with a different style and design, showcasing our skills to the world. Many people assume success in the ghetto only comes through certain paths, but I’m here to show that craftsmanship, passion, and innovation can lead to something different—something extraordinary.”
My name is Joseph Ganda. I run a brand known as Bolla here in the heart of Kibera. We started out being known as Ndula Kali, but we later changed our name to Bolla, which is Kenyan slang meaning ‘kujiamini’ (believing in yourself).
Bolla is an eco-friendly and recycle-oriented initiative that transforms old materials into vibrant shoes, sandals, bags, boots, loafers, among others, with an African kitenge touch.