Swap Circle: Creative solution to textile waste debuts in Nakuru
Swap Circle Co-founder Miano Wamunyu inspecting clothes displayed for the Swap circle event in Nakuru held at Kijani Kafe on February 1,2025.
Swap Circle, an event that champions sustainability in fashion and responsible textile consumption, has made its entry into Nakuru, hosting its first event at Kijani Kafe on February 1, 2025.
One might wonder, what makes this event unique?
Well, the organizers are climate action-oriented, aiming at reducing textile waste. Most interestingly, they have curated an experience that allows fashion lovers to stay trendy by swapping clothes, without spending money.
Can we call it bartering fashion pieces?
Sharon Tonoi checks out some pants at the Swap circle event in Nakuru held at Kijani Kafe on February 1,2025.
Founders Miano Wamunyu and Valirine Ramani have created an exciting space for fashion enthusiasts to connect and swap their pre-loved items for unique pieces.
In an interview, Wamunyu shares that they conceptualized the idea during her university days, where she and fellow fashion enthusiasts frequently exchanged clothes. In March 2023, she and Ramani decided to scale it up into a larger event.
She notes that many people are curious about how the event works.
"For instance, most participants bring in fashion pieces, clothes, shoes and we assign them a value on a scale of one to 10. The total token points for the items are then calculated, allowing participants to shop using their points."
At the event, we met Mose Alex, alias Moseax, a Nakuru resident who finds the idea fascinating. "I heard about the event from a friend and decided to check it out since it's a new concept for me. I brought five of my best shirts that no longer fit but were still in good shape. These earned me 30 points, which I will use to shop," he says.
Nakuru based digital influencer Moxeas picking some clothes at the Swap circle event in Nakuru held at Kijani Kafe on February 1,2025.
Sharon Tonoi, also expressed her excitement about attending the event, appreciating the wide variety of fashion items one could grab without breaking their bank account.
"The best part is that you can carry forward your points and use them at the next event, regardless of the location." She says, beaming with excitement.
She adds, "Swap Circle events not only happen in Nakuru, but Nairobi, Mombasa, and other towns. It’s similar to how we redeem shopping points at supermarkets. You accumulate points and use them at any Swap Circle event nationwide."
Co-founder Ramani, says the fulfilment they get from hosting this event, is the role they play in their capacity as youth in mitigating climate change.
Swap Circle Co-founder Valirine Ramani during an interview at the Swap circle event in Nakuru held at Kijani Kafe on February 1,2025.
Beyond sustainability, she notes the excitement of acquiring new fashion pieces and the joy of seeing one's items find a new home, breathing fresh life into fashion trends.
"At least 150 tons of textile waste end up in landfills daily due to the massive influx of low-quality second-hand clothes imported into the country. Clothes swapping is a more sustainable solution to textile waste rather than disposing off or burning them, which pollutes the environment," she explains.
Ramani concludes that swapping is a stylish and responsible way to acquire unique pieces while caring for the planet by extending the lifespan of clothing.