Two Kenyan fashion designers are getting a major international platform after being selected to showcase their work at Africa Fashion Week London 2026.

Bettydora Odhiambo and Neema Kinoti joined designers from across Africa for the London showcase, giving the two creatives an opportunity to place Kenyan fashion in front of a wider international audience.

The event brought together emerging talent from countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Ghana.

For Bettydora, the London appearance is another step in building her Nairobi-based fashion label, Atieno Studio. Her work focuses on resort wear, summer pieces and hand-crocheted designs, combining relaxed fashion with detailed craftsmanship.

She also took part in a panel discussion centred on nurturing the next generation of creative talent.

Her participation follows her involvement in the British Council's Creative DNA programme, an initiative designed to help African fashion entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, develop their skills and establish international connections.

The programme has also given Bettydora an opportunity to share what she has learned with artisans she works with in Kenya, particularly in areas such as production.

Neema brings swimwear and resort fashion to the showcase

Neema Kinoti, the founder of Ohana Family Wear, was the other Kenyan designer selected for the London programme.

She established the brand in 2018, developing collections around swimwear and resort clothing while incorporating ideas of cultural identity and representation.

Her presence at Africa Fashion Week London gives the brand an opportunity to reach audiences beyond Kenya and interact with designers, fashion professionals and potential customers in a different market.

The London programme was organised through a partnership involving Africa Fashion Week London and the British Council's Creative DNA initiative.

Rather than simply offering designers a runway, the programme is designed to expose emerging African fashion businesses to international markets, industry networks and new creative opportunities.

A bigger stage for Kenyan fashion

For Bettydora and Neema, the London showcase represents more than a trip outside Kenya.

International fashion platforms can give emerging designers access to people they might not easily meet through local events alone, from buyers and creative professionals to potential collaborators and audiences interested in African design.

Their participation also comes at a time when African designers are increasingly finding ways to take locally developed ideas and craftsmanship to global audiences.

Kenya's fashion industry has a growing pool of designers experimenting with textiles, handmade techniques, contemporary silhouettes and cultural influences.

The challenge has often been getting those designs in front of international markets.

For the two designers, London provided exactly that opportunity.

Alongside the Kenyan duo, the 2026 showcase featured creatives from several African countries, including Nigerian designer Adedayo Ilori of Dimeji Ilori, Uganda's Joan Nantege of Joan Jade, Ethiopia's Mastewal Belay of Mastewal Alemu and Rwanda's Maurice Niyigena of Matheo Studio.

For Bettydora and Neema, the London runway marks another step in taking Kenyan fashion beyond its traditional audience and showing that locally built fashion brands can compete for attention on an international stage.