Emmanuel Imaniradukunda, a young man from Bugesera District, has completely changed his life by dedicating himself to knitting cardigans and other stylish garments.
From children’s garments to winter wear for adults, Imaniradukunda has been perfecting his craft for the past three years using both his hands and a machine. This dedication has made a significant impact on his life.
Based at the Nyamata Youth Center, where he started in 2021, the 24-year-old has turned his tailoring business into a professional pursuit. He now creates customised garments for each client based on their specifications.
One unique aspect about Imaniradukunda’s work is his ability to produce garments on demand. If a client requests a specific item, he can complete it within two to three hours, depending on the complexity.
In a recent interview with KURA, Imaniradukunda explained that knitting has changed his livelihood, allowing him to save at least Rwf100,000 each month while meeting various other needs.
He says, “It is truly a rewarding job, especially if you are passionate about it. Initially, everyone was making similar garments, but now each person can create unique designs, making it rare to encounter the same outfit elsewhere.”
Despite his success, Imaniradukunda acknowledges that the major challenge that remains is access to large markets. Major clothing markets are often dominated by factories, though he is capable of producing high-quality garments.
He adds, “People have not fully appreciated us yet because they see us as limited quantity producers and may doubt our ability to handle larger orders. Additionally, the cost of materials is high so our products are sometimes expensive.”
Looking to the future, Imaniradukunda aspires to establish a factory specializing in traditional garments because he is convinced of their high quality and uniqueness. He also hopes to train more youth in this craft, enabling them to pursue it professionally.
The young man takes immense pride in his craft and is delighted with how knitting has become his primary source of income.
