Located about 24km from Kisii Town, is Tabaka Town which is the main source of soapstone in Kenya. Soapstone carving has been the main pillar of Tabaka’s economy for generations. Soapstone mining and carving at Tabaka, Gucha South District has been going on since 1885. The bedrock of soapstone spreads across a 25 Km 2 area. The Mines And Geology Department estimated that the rock runs 800 feet deep. Most of the soapstone is sold as finished products in the form of carvings locally and abroad. Locally, the biggest consumers are tourists who buy the carvings as gifts for friends or for interior decoration. Malindi, Mombasa, Nyahururu, Thika, and Nakuru are the main markets in Kenya.
Share