"MAKING OF BRICKS FROM WASTE PLASTIC"

"Nzambi Matee" is a Kenyan entrepreneur, she developed a method to recycle plastic waste into eco-friendly bricks which are stronger than concrete. Her startup, "Gjenge Makers", produced around 500-1000 bricks daily, using a mixture of shredded plastic and sand, addressing both waste management and construction needs. She was inspired by the environmental activism of the late Professor "Wangari Maatha" & after witnessing plastic pollution during a family trip to Mombasa, she felt compelled to take action against the littering in Nairobi. So then She established "Gjenge Makers LTD", with the Swahili word "Gjenge" meaning "build yourself," emphasizing self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. 

Nzambi Matee

Production process of bricks begins with crushing plastic waste into small pieces. Then it is mixed with sand and pigment is added if color is desired. Then the mixture is heated in an extruder to soften it for molding then the mixture is portioned and fed into a hydraulic press to shape multiple bricks. Then the bricks are cooled at room temperature, resulting in a final product that is as hard as concrete.

Now Gjenge Makers can produce bricks between 1,000 to 15,000 bricks per day, primarily used for paving and road construction in Nairobi. The bricks made are sold at 25% less than the cost of traditional concrete bricks which make them an affordable alternative. Gjenge company employs over 100 people and aims to expand its operations throughout Kenya.

Nzambi Matee received the "Young Champions of the Earth" prize from the United Nations Environment Programme. Gjenge company plans to diversify its product line, including the development of roofing tiles made from plastic waste.  Nzambi's ultimate goal is to create a significant impact on waste management and environmental conservation across Kenya.