The unique art of glassblowing is an art technique that only a few in Africa practice. For more than thirty years, Anselm Kitengela Hot Glass has been manufacturing glass art products. Kitengela Hot Glass has become the epitome of the unique art of glassblowing in East Africa and this has made it one of the main tourist destinations in Kenya.
They recycle clear window glass and green bottles mainly specializing in clear window glass because it is easy to recycle. Most glassblowers have been working here for over 30 years. The youngest here is eight months old, she is a lady, and she is actually the first lady, so they have trained 30 years ago and have grown over time.
The Magical Kenya campaign aims to show the world what Kenyans have and what Kenya has. This is a unique art that is not found in any part of Kenya. As the only glass manufacturing facility in the region, Kitengela Hot Glass also works with an Eswatini company that also specializes in glass blowing.
A longtime neighbor of Nairobi National Park, Kitengela Glass is a hidden gem. Before you enter, be prepared for a plethora of sculptures, glassware, and a variety of animals along the rough and wildly interesting road to Kitengela Glass’s Nani.
Kitengela Glass, founded in 1981 by Nani Kroz, is a vibrant training center for over fifty artisans who are trained and/or working in various artistic disciplines. In addition to helping people make a living with their artistic abilities, Nani strives to maintain the natural landscape. They plant trees, promote renewable energy, and limit waste.
In addition, Nani and her husband Eric are strong supporters of access to education for all people. This includes funding and promoting grant programs to pay for children’s schooling and providing space and guidance for adults in need of literacy education.
Kitengela Hot Glass – Anselm’s glass art studio is situated in the dome of a planetarium off the beaten track that is on the edge of Nairobi National Park, near Ongata Rongai.
Anselm’s Kitengela Hot Glass is open 7 days a week, with continuous glass blowing, from 08:00 to 16:30 Tuesday to Saturday and from 09:00 to 13:00 on Sundays and Mondays), visitors can watch how skilled craftsmen create blown and molded objects and make beads from recycled glass, and also make chandeliers, furniture and panels of light and colors for architectural installations in an ecologically clean space.
The small café serves snacks, tea, coffee, and homemade ice cream. Here you can enjoy the atmosphere of buzzing creativity and bustling industry while you relax, shop, and enjoy the natural beauty of this extraordinary place.
