Samir Maombi holds vivid memories of his childhood in Goma, a city situated in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Within these recollections, a sense of joy and peace permeates, with the rhythmic hum of his mother’s sewing machine etched into his mind as she skilfully crafted clothes. While Samir cherished the moments spent observing her work, he also understood the hardships that came with this modest life. Years prior, his father had passed away, making his mother the sole breadwinner. Despite the economic hardships that characterized this period, Samir’s upbringing was marked by positivity.  

Unfortunately, the tranquillity of Samir’s childhood was shattered in 2011 when his village was attacked during post-election violence. When armed individuals invaded their home, his mother guided Samir and his siblings out of a window to safety while she stayed behind. Upon their return after the violence subsided, they discovered the devastating news that their mother had not survived. In the ensuing panic, Samir became separated from his siblings and had to flee to Kampala in Uganda by himself. Bereft of everyone dear to him, this period represented the darkest chapter in Samir’s life. 

 

From DR Congo to Uganda to Kenya 

A fifteen-year-old Samir began taking up odd jobs in Uganda, including working as a cleaner at a local hotel. For the two years that he lived in Kampala, he grappled with the trauma and depression of losing his family. Despite his efforts to make Kampala home, the city failed to offer the security he sought as there were constant reminders of the hardships he had faced. Desiring more distance from the conflict that had disrupted his life, Samir learned about Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya and chose to relocate once again, finding his way to Northern Kenya. 

For Samir, Kakuma represented a chance for a fresh start, albeit under refugee status. Although life remained challenging, his determination to make his existence meaningful persevered. The memory of his mother diligently working on her sewing machine provided a sense of stillness amid the turmoil, prompting Samir to connect with this piece of his past. He began working for a tailor in Kakuma, specialising in the creation of school uniforms. 

In no time, Samir’s skills garnered attention, leading to an influx of orders for uniforms and enabling him to earn a living. Despite all the challenges he had endured, he harboured ambitious dreams of establishing his own fashion brand. Samir continued to work tirelessly, contemplating ways to bring his entrepreneurial dreams to fruition. 

 

A Turning Point 

The breakthrough came in 2018 when a designer’s competition took place in Kakuma, drawing notable figures from the fashion industry, including Ajuma Nasenyana, an international runway model. Samir eagerly entered the competition, dedicating himself to crafting clothes for showcasing. His primary obstacle was the absence of his own sewing machine, so after completing his regular uniform orders during the day, he invested extra hours in sketching designs and sewing – working in dim light from a hand-held torch. He did not have much material to spare, and so he utilized leftover materials from other clothing projects for his creations. 

Samir’s unwavering commitment bore remarkable fruits as his work emerged among the best in the competition. In recognition of his talent, he was connected with the organizers of Nairobi Design Week, an annual festival promoting the Kenyan design community. The Nairobi Design Week team graciously provided him with a space at the festival to showcase and sell his clothes, marking a significant milestone in Samir’s inspiring journey. 

 

The Birth of Kolakisa 

Nairobi Design Week proved to be a triumph for Samir, as he successfully sold numerous pieces from his clothing line during the festival. The proceeds from these sales provided him with the financial means to purchase his own sewing machine. In 2019, he took a significant leap forward by establishing his own shop in Kakuma. This newfound independence granted him creative freedom, enabling him to craft garments aligned with his preferences. Drawing inspiration from his Congolese roots and seamlessly blending them with Turkana culture, Samir continued to repurpose leftover fabrics, transforming them into wearable art. He also expanded his impact beyond design by initiating sewing classes for women in Kakuma, empowering them to strive for their financial independence.  

As part of his business growth strategy, he rebranded from Samir Creations to Kolakisa in 2023, unveiling the first pieces under this new name at another edition of Nairobi Design Week. “Kolakisa” translates to “show and teach” in Lingala, encapsulating his brand’s mission—to empower others through fashion and design. 

From Kakuma to the World! 

Kolakisa is steadily gaining recognition as a brand to watch. As Samir collaborates with clients both within and outside of Kenya, he continues to capture the attention of global designers who view him as a trendsetter. His journey epitomizes resilience and determination, reflecting a commitment to improve not only his own life but also the lives of those who, like him, have faced adversity and found themselves in Kakuma. As Samir continues to build his brand, we wholeheartedly support him, wishing him nothing but the utmost success. Hongera Samir! 

#KeDesigners