Gjenge Makers is a small-scale company operating out of Kenya. It has made it its social responsibility to save the planet from choking on plastic waste, one brick at a time. The company converts plastic waste of all forms and kinds into beautiful, eco-friendly alternatives of building materials.
Founded by Nzambi Matee, Gjenge Makers provides African solutions to African challenges. The company is not only solving the issue of waste and plastic waste, but is also tackling youth unemployment in Kenya, boosting African industry, and promoting STEM development in Africa.
Product and Innovation
Gjenge Makers converts plastic waste into pavement bricks of different colours. This innovative process allows empty plastic water bottles and other plastic waste to be turned into bricks, preventing them from being burned or ending up in the food chain.
Their bricks offer significant advantages over traditional materials:
They are eco-friendly.
They are five times stronger than concrete bricks.
They come in various attractive colors.
The founder, Nzambi Matee, believes that "the person with the problem is the person with the solution". Through this company, she is demonstrating that the continent does not need to wait for aid to solve its own challenges.
Operations and Availability
At the time writing this article, Gjenge Makers only operates and sells within Kenya.
However, for individuals and organizations interested in their work, there are options:
Training Sessions: They offer training sessions for those interested in learning the science and technology behind turning plastic waste into eco-friendly pavement bricks.
Large Volume Orders: It may be worth visiting them in Kenya to make a large volume order for a big project.
Social Media: You can follow their story and process on Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).
The company also provides jobs and livelihoods for over 600 individuals across the value chain, from garbage collectors to factory hands.
In the end…
Gjenge Makers is a statement about African industry and a push to ensure that the earth remains habitable for future generations. It represents an excellent, eco-friendlier alternative to concrete pavement bricks while simultaneously solving critical social and environmental challenges.
So if you value sustainability, want a superior building material, and seek to support African excellence, Gjenge Makers is your go-to.