In 2013, Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe, two friends, met at the College of Technology and Sciences at the University of Rwanda in 2011 while studying Creative design and environment. Their passion for design and concern for the environment turned into a thriving business- UZURI K&Y
While in school, the duo co-created and sold their first pair of handcrafted shoes with a unique African aesthetic and sustainable footprint for 10,000 francs ($10). Soon enough, the two Rwandan ladies built an African-inspired, eco-friendly footwear manufacturing brand we now know as UZURI K&Y.
UZURI K&Y: More than just footwear
The CEO, Kevine Kagirimpundu, didn’t always dream of making shoes. She started her career studying engineering because she was curious about how things worked. However, her love for design and creating something beautiful drew her to fashion. Alongside her co-founder, Shimwe, she took a bold step and turned her ideas into a company that now makes stylish footwear that is also good for the planet.
The two founders see UZURI K&Y as much more than a shoe company. They see it as a way to tackle big problems like waste and pollution while celebrating African creativity. In this light, they are turning what would have been trash into something people proudly wear. Every pair of UZURI K&Y shoes is made with recycled car tyres, and through this approach, the company is part of Rwanda’s “Made in Rwanda” movement, which encourages local products made with care and quality.
Empowering women and youth through skills development
The people who make the shoes also benefit from UZURI K&Y. The founders have created programs that train young people, especially women, in shoe-making skills they can use to find jobs or start their businesses. Through UZURI K&Y, over a thousand young people have learned valuable skills in shoe-making, entrepreneurship, and more. As CEO, Kagirimpundu believes empowering people with skills is as crucial as creating eco-friendly products.
“We have been able to change people’s lives. Kids are going to school because of this. Many can now afford health insurance. Some of my employees have built houses back home. This is my greatest achievement,” Kevine Kagirimpundu shares.
When the business started, the two founders faced significant challenges in finding skilled workers, raising funds, and expanding into international markets.
The ladies, however, stayed focused and creative and sought ways to solve these problems. They see the brand becoming a global brand representing African creativity and sustainability. They are expanding their product lines to reach new markets.
The company’s growth from the ground up has proven that you don’t need a perfect plan to start—you need the courage.
