Gjenge Makers is Revolutionizing Waste Management and Job Creation with Plastic Paving Bricks

V.T. WebDesignz
Nov 16, 2025
4 min read

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today.

In Kenya, a startup named Gjenge Makers is turning this problem into an opportunity. By transforming discarded plastics into durable paving bricks, Gjenge Makers is not only reducing waste but also creating jobs and supporting economic growth.

This blog post explores how materials engineer Nzambi Matee developed this process, the unique benefits of these bricks, and the broader impact on communities and the environment.

Close-up view of a stack of colorful plastic paving bricks made from recycled waste — Plastic paving bricks stacked neatly, showcasing their vibrant colors and texture

The Challenge of Plastic Waste in Kenya

Kenya faces a significant plastic waste problem. Every year, thousands of tons of plastic end up in landfills, rivers, and streets, causing pollution and health hazards. Traditional recycling methods struggle to keep up with the volume, and much of the plastic waste remains unused or improperly disposed of.

Plastic bags, bottles, and packaging materials accumulate, harming wildlife and clogging drainage systems. This situation calls for innovative solutions that can reduce waste while providing practical benefits to communities.

Nzambi Matee’s Vision and Innovation

Nzambi Matee, a Kenyan materials engineer, saw potential in this plastic waste. She founded Gjenge Makers with a clear goal: to create building materials from recycled plastics that are strong, affordable, and environmentally friendly.

Matee developed a process that melts down discarded plastics and mixes them with other materials to form paving bricks. These bricks are designed to be durable and lightweight, making them suitable for various construction needs such as walkways, driveways, and patios.

Her approach uses plastics that are often difficult to recycle, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE) from plastic bags and wrappers. By repurposing these materials, Gjenge Makers tackles a waste stream that many recycling programs overlook.

How the Plastic Paving Bricks Are Made

The production process involves several key steps:

Collection: Plastic waste is gathered from communities, businesses, and waste pickers.
Sorting and Cleaning: The plastics are sorted by type and cleaned to remove dirt and contaminants.
Shredding: The plastics are shredded into small pieces to prepare for melting.
Mixing: Shredded plastic is combined with sand and other additives to improve strength and texture.
Molding and Pressing: The mixture is heated and pressed into brick molds.
Cooling and Curing: The bricks cool down and harden, ready for use.

This process is energy-efficient and designed to minimize environmental impact. It also allows the use of plastics that would otherwise be difficult to recycle.

Benefits of Gjenge Makers’ Plastic Bricks

The paving bricks produced by Gjenge Makers offer several advantages over traditional materials like concrete or clay bricks:

Strength: These bricks are five to seven times stronger than concrete, making them highly durable and resistant to wear.
Lightweight: They weigh less than conventional bricks, which reduces transportation costs and makes handling easier on construction sites.
Cost-Effective: The use of recycled materials lowers production costs, resulting in affordable bricks for consumers.
Water Resistance: The plastic content makes the bricks less porous, reducing water absorption and increasing longevity.
Eco-Friendly: By using plastic waste, the bricks help reduce pollution and the demand for natural resources like sand and clay.

These features make the bricks suitable for a wide range of applications, from residential paving to commercial landscaping.

Social and Economic Impact

Gjenge Makers is more than a recycling company. It plays a vital role in community development by creating jobs and supporting local economies.

Job Creation: The startup employs waste collectors, machine operators, and sales staff, providing income opportunities in areas with limited employment.
Empowering Women: Many of the workers are women, helping to promote gender equality and economic independence.
Community Engagement: Gjenge Makers collaborates with local groups to raise awareness about plastic pollution and encourage recycling.
Affordable Housing Support: The bricks offer a low-cost building material option, helping to improve infrastructure in underserved communities.

By addressing both environmental and social issues, Gjenge Makers demonstrates how sustainable business models can drive positive change.

Real-World Examples of Gjenge Makers’ Work

Several projects showcase the effectiveness of these plastic bricks:

School Pathways: Gjenge Makers supplied bricks for walkways in schools, providing safe, durable paths that withstand heavy foot traffic.
Public Spaces: Parks and community centers have used the bricks for landscaping, enhancing aesthetics while promoting sustainability.
Private Homes: Homeowners appreciate the bricks for patios and driveways due to their strength and attractive appearance.

These examples highlight the versatility and practical benefits of the product.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While Gjenge Makers has made significant progress, challenges remain:

Scaling Production: Increasing output to meet growing demand requires investment in machinery and facilities.
Plastic Supply: Ensuring a steady supply of clean plastic waste depends on effective collection systems.
Market Awareness: Educating consumers and builders about the benefits of plastic bricks is ongoing work.

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its product range and explore new markets within Africa and beyond. Continued innovation and partnerships will be key to sustaining growth.