Kenyan designers Bettydora Odhiambo and Neema Kinoti are taking their collections to London this week as part of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) 2026, joining emerging designers from across the continent.
The showcase, that is already onging untill August 24, is happening at 8 Northumberland Avenue and the British Council headquarters, brings together designers from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Odhiambo, who runs Nairobi-based Atieno Studio, works mainly with resort wear, summer clothing and hand-crocheted pieces. She is also scheduled to take part in a panel discussion on developing the next generation of creative talent.
For Odhiambo, the London showcase is an opportunity to build on skills gained through the British Council’s Creative DNA programme, which supports fashion entrepreneurs across Africa.
She said the programme has helped her improve her production skills while passing on some of the knowledge to local artisans she works with.
Kinoti, the founder of Ohana Family Wear, is also part of the Kenyan contingent. She established the brand in 2018, focusing on swimwear and resort clothing while incorporating themes around cultural identity and representation.
The two designers are among a new cohort supported through Creative DNA, a British Council initiative focused on strengthening fashion businesses and helping designers build connections beyond their home markets.
The London programme also features discussions on African fashion education, cross-border creativity and the future direction of African design.
British Council Kenya Country Director Tom Porter said the participation of Kenyan designers was part of a wider effort to connect creative talent across markets.
The showcase comes as African designers increasingly look beyond local fashion weeks and retail markets for opportunities to reach international audiences.
For Odhiambo and Kinoti, the London appearance offers a chance to test their designs in a different market while connecting with other designers, industry professionals and potential audiences.
They will be joined by Adedayo Ilori of Nigeria’s Dimeji Ilori, Joan Nantege of Uganda’s Joan Jade, Mastewal Belay of Ethiopia’s Mastewal Alemu, Maurice Niyigena of Rwanda’s Matheo Studio and designers from Zimbabwe, Ghana and Ethiopia.