This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
As the world grapples with the environmental crisis, Kenya is taking a proactive approach to address the issue. In 2017, President Kenyatta implemented a plastic bag ban, a move that has significantly reduced plastic waste in the country.
However, despite this progress, Kenyans remain reluctant to adopt eco-friendly products, often believing them to be of lower quality than their new counterparts. This misconception needs to be addressed, especially in the face of increasing manufacturing and housing needs.
Environmental scientists Hope Mwanake and Kevin Mureithi recognized this challenge and founded Eco Blocks and Tiles in 2016. Based in Gilgil, the duo aimed to repurpose discarded plastic and glass waste into valuable products that would reduce waste and promote sustainability.
After years of research and experimentation, Mwanake and Mureithi developed a range of eco-friendly roof tiles and construction materials that are lighter, more durable, and less porous than traditional concrete tiles. Each ecotile costs Sh 850, the same as a concrete tile, and can save families up to 40% on wood costs, reducing deforestation levels.
Since production began in 2018, Eco Blocks and Tiles has produced over 75,000 tiles for 30 buildings, recycling 56 tonnes of plastic waste in the process. The company is supported by the government as part of its effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.
The government's commitment to net-zero carbon buildings by 2050 is a visionary goal that requires creative entrepreneurs like Mwanake and Mureithi to drive innovation in the private sector. With the population growing, out-of-the-box thinking is essential to produce more affordable homes and promote cultural acceptance for recycled and eco-products.
Kenya has the potential to be a global leader in climate innovation, with the potential to recycle up to 92% of its waste. The country's progress in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability is a testament to the power of creative entrepreneurship and government support.
