Nzambi Matee

My journey into sustainable innovation began with a deep frustration at the mounting plastic waste problem in Kenya. Walking through Nairobi’s streets, I saw firsthand how plastic pollution was choking our environment and harming communities, particularly those in the Eastlands, or “poorer” part of Nairobi. My epiphany came when I visited the coast and was in awe of the amount of waste in the ocean. My background in materials science gave me the tools to understand the problem technically, but it was my passion for creating solutions that led me to act.

In 2017, I founded Gjenge Makers, driven by the belief that waste could be transformed into something valuable. I wanted to challenge the idea that waste is useless and instead show how it could empower communities and protect the planet. By recycling plastic waste into construction materials, we not only provide an alternative to carbon-intensive building products like concrete, but also address environmental degradation and unemployment.

I do what I do because I believe in the power of innovation to drive change. Seeing young people and women in our communities thrive because of the jobs we create inspires me every day. Knowing that our work will recycle over 1,000 tons of plastic annually and create hundreds of  jobs in the next 5 years excites me hope for what’s possible. My work is about more than recycling plastic; it’s about building a movement where people see the potential for positive change in every challenge and use tech to create lasting impact.

As an innovator in sustainable development, I see my work as a bridge between environmental restoration and community empowerment. Through Gjenge Makers, we’ve turned the challenge of plastic pollution into an opportunity for change. By recycling over 250,000 kg of plastic into eco-friendly building materials, we’ve not only addressed waste management but also created jobs for youth and women, enabling economic resilience in marginalized communities.

Globally, our work demonstrates the power of circular economies to combat climate change and resource scarcity. Locally, it inspires other African communities to rethink waste as a resource. We’re not just innovating; we’re empowering. By involving youth and women in the recycling process, we’re breaking barriers of access and inclusion, proving that sustainability and social impact go hand in hand.