In Kenya, Nzambi Matee turns plastic waste into bricks

In Kenya, Nzambi Matee transforms plastic waste into building bricks that are more durable and resistant than cement. Through this innovation, the entrepreneur and founder of Gjenge Makers has been actively committed to reducing plastic pollution in her country for several years. In 2020, she received the distinction of Young Champion of the Earth.

Through her initiative, Nzambi Matee aims to be useful to society and the environment. After studying mechanical engineering, the young Kenyan began her professional career as an engineer in the Kenyan oil industry. But in 2017, she decided to embark on another journey to solve a challenge facing Kenya: plastic pollution. She set up a small laboratory in her home to produce paving stones. She developed a process that mixes plastic waste with sand, thus producing paving stones that are much stronger, lighter than cement, and 15% cheaper. They can be used to build roads, make flooring, and more.

 In 2019, she succeeded in developing a machine capable of producing these bricks on a larger scale. She also received a grant to study entrepreneurship in the United States, notably at the University of Colorado, which enabled her to further refine her paving stone manufacturing process.

She then created the company “Gjenge Makers,” which not only designs its production machines but also manufactures recycled bricks. ” Our mission is to design innovative solutions for the development of alternative, aesthetic, and sustainable construction products, not only for Kenya but for the entire African continent… while creating jobs for young people and women,” reads the company’s website. To date, the company has more than 100 direct and indirect employees.

In 2020, the United Nations Program awarded Nzambi Matee the title of Young Champion of the Earth Africa.