Just 200 meters from the gates of Ruben Centre, Mika Obanda runs a studio that smells of adhesive and calcium. Here, he spends hundreds of hours hunched over boards, turning discarded eggshells into textured, high-value fine art.

*Mika carefully applies crushed eggshells onto his detailed mosaic artwork.*

Mika’s connection to the Ruben Centre began in 2015 as a primary student at AEF Ruben Comprehensive School. He was a constant presence in the art club, though his path after graduation was far from linear. While at Kinyui High School, a struggle with drug addiction led him to drop out for six months during his third year. It was a period of stagnation that could have easily become permanent.

*Mika stands proudly beside resident artist Tr. Chris, his mentor.*

He eventually got back on track, transferring to Eastleigh High School to finish his studies. But the real shift happened during his holidays. He kept returning to the Ruben Centre to work under Chris, a resident artist who mentored him. These weren't just art lessons; they were a way to rebuild a sense of routine and self-worth.

"I learned that even the smallest things can create something powerful," Mika says. "I’ve learned to value the small things in life."

By 2024, he had opened his own workspace. Even a devastating fire that levelled the studio in 2025 didn't stop him; he simply cleared the rubble and rebuilt. Today, the studio is fully operational again.

*Cleaned eggshells arranged neatly, ready for application onto the artwork.*

Mika’s choice of medium is a feat of logistics and patience. He sources his raw materials, eggshells, from Sarova Hotels and Supa Loaf. What these businesses throw away, Mika treats as premium pigment.

The work is gruelling. Because eggshells are fragile and irregular, a single piece can take four to six months of meticulous layering to complete. This level of detail is why his work now commands prices around US$ 1500 a piece.

While the market for fine art is unpredictable, Mika has built a steady reputation. He bypasses traditional galleries by leveraging social media and direct referrals. His portfolio has already earned him significant recognition:

• Winner: Mukuru Awards (2023)

• 2nd Place: Out of Africa Competition

• Media Features: BBC, K24 TV, and KBC

Mika’s story isn't a fairy tale about fixing a broken life. It's a story about a guy who found a difficult, niche craft and stayed with it. His studio stands as proof that world-class talent exists in Mukuru—it just needs a mentor, a bit of space, and a lot of patience to surface.

By: Benson Kagwima

From Eggshells to Excellence: The Relentless Craft of Mika Obanda