SOKO Visit The Factory

The cohort, two of whom are employed by SOKO in Kenya, were on a specially funded trip with the Commonwealth to specifically develop their manufacturing skills on a two-month fashion manufacturing course.

Left to right Joy Moko, Umana Nnochiri (from Nigeria), Jenny Holloway (CEO Fashion Enter), Josephine Libaisi, Carol Muhonja (from SOKO, Kenya)

Carole and Josephine work for SOKO; a clothing manufacturing unit based in Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary in Kenya. SOKO was set up in 2009 by Joanna Maiden whose vision it was to provide the fashion industry with a manufacturing unit with social and environmental issues at the heart of its business.

SOKO operates and trades on two principal levels:

1. The production of quality, competitively priced, fashion driven garments to the international fashion industry.

2. The improvement of the quality of life for Ukunda’s population through vocational training, employment opportunities and improved social services.

SOKO currently manufactures for ASOS.com, FAIR+true, Lalesso, made, Modhanik, SUNO

Whilst in the UK the ladies were given a unique insight into the garment life cycle and were able to broaden their manufacturing skills and knowledge. Whilst at The Factory the learners embarked on a one day CAD/CAM course introducing them to digital pattern making using the Vetigraph CAD system. Following the fast paced introduction they were provided with an overview of the tools and how to use them. They were then able to follow a design sketch to create their first pattern, adding notches and seam allowances and finally saving and printing the digital pattern.

It was fantastic to welcome the cohort all the way from Africa to our Factory