

Nzambi Matee, the founder of Gjenge Makers, is transforming Kenya’s plastic waste problem into an opportunity for sustainable development. Her innovative approach to recycling plastic into durable building materials has not only addressed environmental concerns but has also created employment opportunities. This blog explores Matee’s journey, the environmental and economic impact of Gjenge Makers, and the role of sustainable startups in Kenya’s future.
1.The Journey to Founding Gjenge Makers and How the Business Operates

Inspiration and Early Challenges
Nzambi Matee, a materials engineer with a passion for sustainability, founded Gjenge Makers after observing the impact of plastic pollution in Nairobi. Determined to create a solution, she developed a unique process to transform plastic waste into eco-friendly paving bricks. Matee’s journey was not without challenges; she faced technical, financial, and logistical obstacles, but her determination to tackle plastic waste kept her moving forward.
How Gjenge Makers Operates
Gjenge Makers collects discarded plastic from waste collectors, which is then shredded, mixed with sand, and compressed into paving bricks. These bricks are tested for durability and strength, making them suitable for sidewalks, driveways, and other infrastructure projects. The bricks are cost-effective and more durable than traditional materials, offering an affordable, sustainable alternative for Kenya’s construction industry.
Eco-Friendly Building Materials
Gjenge Makers’ paving bricks are lightweight, strong, and resistant to wear and tear, making them a practical solution for urban and rural infrastructure. The company’s focus on sustainable manufacturing processes ensures minimal environmental impact, aligning with Matee’s vision of creating a cleaner, greener Kenya.
Impact on Society: Gjenge Makers’ operations demonstrate the potential of innovation in tackling environmental challenges. By turning waste into building materials, Matee contributes to both sustainability and economic development, setting an example for future entrepreneurs.
2.How Innovative Waste Management and Sustainability Efforts Contribute to Economic and Environmental Growth

Addressing Plastic Pollution
Plastic waste is one of Kenya’s most pressing environmental issues, with single-use plastics clogging waterways, harming wildlife, and polluting the land. By recycling plastic into building materials, Gjenge Makers directly addresses this waste problem, helping to clean up the environment while providing a sustainable alternative for construction needs.
Contributing to a Circular Economy
Matee’s approach exemplifies the circular economy model, where waste materials are repurposed rather than discarded. By creating demand for recycled plastic, Gjenge Makers encourages waste collection, reduces landfill waste, and makes a value chain that promotes recycling as a viable business model. This circular approach conserves resources and stimulates economic activity through recycling.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
The production process at Gjenge Makers has a lower carbon footprint than traditional construction materials. By using recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing methods, Gjenge Makers contributes to Kenya’s environmental goals and reduces carbon emissions. This low-impact production model aligns with global sustainability trends and offers a blueprint for other businesses to follow.
Impact on Society: Gjenge Makers showcases how sustainable practices can benefit the environment while supporting economic growth. By creating a circular economy, Matee’s work advances Kenya’s sustainability goals and provides an eco-friendly solution to the country’s waste management challenges.
3.The Impact of Sustainable Startups on Kenya’s Future and Job Creation

Job Creation and Economic Opportunities
Gjenge Makers has created job opportunities for Kenyans in various roles, from waste collection to production and distribution. This job creation extends beyond the company, as waste collectors and recycling facilities benefit from increased demand for plastic waste. Gjenge Makers’ model highlights the potential of sustainable startups to drive economic growth, particularly in sectors where job opportunities are limited.
Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship
Nzambi Matee’s success story inspires young entrepreneurs across Kenya to pursue innovative business ideas that address environmental and social challenges. Her work demonstrates the importance of resilience, creativity, and commitment in building a successful startup. By encouraging a new generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs, Matee contributes to a culture of sustainability and innovation in Kenya.
Promoting Sustainable Urban Development
The use of recycled plastic bricks in construction aligns with Kenya’s urban development goals, particularly in areas where affordable and sustainable infrastructure is needed. Gjenge Makers provides a practical, eco-friendly building solution that supports urban growth without compromising the environment. As Kenya continues to urbanize, sustainable startups like Gjenge Makers play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future.
Impact on Society: Sustainable startups like Gjenge Makers pave the way for a resilient economy by creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and supporting environmentally friendly urban development. Matee’s work highlights how Kenya can simultaneously achieve economic growth and environmental preservation.
4.The Future of Sustainability and Waste Management in Kenya

Scaling Sustainable Solutions
Nzambi Matee’s vision for the future includes expanding Gjenge Makers to reach more communities across Kenya and beyond. As demand for sustainable building materials grows, Gjenge Makers aims to increase production and explore new markets. Scaling up will allow the company to make a greater environmental impact, cleaning up even more plastic waste while creating more job opportunities.
Advocating for Policy Support and Collaboration
To support sustainable startups, Matee advocates for policies that promote recycling, waste management, and eco-friendly business practices. She believes that collaboration between the government, private sector, and communities is essential for creating a supportive environment for sustainability initiatives. Policy support can provide incentives for other businesses to adopt sustainable practices, amplifying the impact of startups like Gjenge Makers.
Inspiring a Sustainable Business Model
Gjenge Makers sets an example for other businesses to incorporate sustainability into their operations. By demonstrating that recycling can be profitable and beneficial to society, Matee inspires other entrepreneurs to consider eco-friendly practices. This shift toward sustainable business models contributes to a greener Kenya, promoting long-term environmental stewardship.
Impact on Society: The future of sustainability in Kenya relies on innovative solutions like those pioneered by Gjenge Makers. With policy support and community collaboration, Kenya can become a leader in eco-friendly business, creating a sustainable economy that benefits people and the planet.
Conclusion
Nzambi Matee’s work with Gjenge Makers exemplifies the transformative power of sustainable innovation. By converting plastic waste into building materials, she addresses Kenya’s environmental challenges while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Kenyan Chronicles celebrates Matee’s contributions to eco-friendly development and looks forward to seeing her impact grow as she inspires future entrepreneurs. Join us as we follow the stories of changemakers like Nzambi Matee, who work tirelessly to build a greener, more sustainable Kenya.