However, after graduating from the University of Nairobi’s school of engineering, acceptance letters from Kenya’s industries never came. Instead, one lecturer offered him an unexpected opportunity in the waste industry.
Over the last 15 years, he has witnessed what poor waste management does to communities and what proper handling can prevent. “I had never looked at waste like that, but in Kariobangi and Dandora [Nairobi slums], you realise there is really a very thin line between the waste and the waste pickers who work there.”
He founded Kiseki about two years ago, and they do glass recycling. The company collects glass waste, upcycling and returning it into the economy as new products of reusable bottles, décor, lighting, tableware, and even construction material.
It collects more than 100,000 glass bottles daily for reuse by major beverage manufacturers and provides sustainable livelihoods for former dumpsite workers.
"I’ve seen how poor waste management impacts communities, where the line between waste and those handling it is thin."
Mwendwa is proving that waste can be turned into wealth.
Kiseki also tackles counterfeiting by removing branded packaging from the black market. It collaborates with manufacturers to achieve circular production that ensures the discarded materials return as new inputs. And by crushing glass into sand for construction, they present a sustainable alternative to ecosystem-stripping sand harvesting.
Away from waste innovation, he travels for new horizons and captured moments. “I’m a traveller; I love driving, nature, and photography.”
-Marion Sitawa