How an east African country became an odd sort of global powerhouse

Kenya's fly-tying industry is a global powerhouse, dominating a niche market and supplying over 60% of the world's artificial flies for fishing rods.

March 17, 2023 . 10:23 AM

1 min read

Kenya is a global hub for fly-tying, with at least 60% of the world's supply of artificial flies tied there.
The industry started in the 1930s by a young Briton and grew into a cottage industry with scores of workshops across the country.
Most of the workers are paid piecemeal and the wages are modest, with some firms paying only the official minimum monthly wage of around $146.
The fly-tyers dominate a niche market and have left competitors sinking.
Kenya's fly-tyers are known for their ingenuity, speedy delivery, reliability and cheap wages.