We always aim to inspire our travelers to spend time in vibrant Nairobi. We now offer a unique city tour with storyteller Miss Okumu, who takes our guests through the art galleries of Kibera, introducing them to local artists. Along the way, guests learn a few photography tips and how to tell stories through their pictures.

The tour continues to Korogocho, where we visit the small but impactful gallery of Joan Otieno.

Joan Otieno may seem calm at first glance, but her vibrant spirit quickly shines through. Warm, welcoming, and deeply kind-hearted, Joan is best known as the artist who transforms junk into art. Raised in Baba Dogo, Nairobi, Joan grew up surrounded by ever-growing dumpsites. Passionate about the environment, she was deeply troubled by the waste piling up in her neighborhood. Rather than remain frustrated, she took action collecting reusable trash and incorporating it into her art. A skilled painter, she embraced upcycling as a core part of her creative practice.

Seeing similar issues in neighborhoods like Kariobangi and Kibra, Joan decided to take her work further. Her junk-based artwork began attracting attention, with exhibitions at venues such as The British Institute of East Africa and The Railway Museum. But for Joan, raising awareness wasn’t enough she wanted to create lasting impact.

In 2018, she founded Warembo Wasanii, a community-based organization in Kariobangi North. Through it, she began mentoring young women, teaching them to use art as a tool for environmental advocacy. The workshop became a safe and creative space, empowering women who might otherwise be vulnerable or idle.

Joan fondly remembers Warembo Wasanii’s first project: leading a group through Nairobi’s dumpsites to collect materials they could transform into art. The results were showcased in their debut exhibition, Trash to Treasure, held at Alliance Française in June 2019 a powerful celebration of creativity and sustainability.

Today, Warembo Wasanii continues to grow training more women and turning waste into wonder, one piece at a time.

All income from the tour supports Warembo Wasanii and a girls’ school in Kibera, which is supported by Miss Okumu.