Kisumu: What many people consider waste has become a source of livelihood for Karanga Ndengwa, a Chuka-based entrepreneur who is transforming discarded tyres into marketable products while helping keep the environment clean. Ndengwa, popularly known as Marachi, has been operating a small-scale tyre recycling enterprise since 2022, converting used tyres into flower vases, bird feeders, sandals locally known as dontire, machine rubber bushes, and furniture such as seats and tables.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ndengwa explained that the abundance and affordability of waste tyres motivated him to venture into the business. Depending on their size, he purchases the tyres from Sh50 and above before processing them into various products. He notes that the enterprise has proved profitable and sustainable, thanks to creativity, technical skills, and determination.
Using improvised tools, Ndengwa cuts and shapes the tyres into products that have earned him a growing customer base in Chuka and neighbouring areas. ‘The market is available and demand continues to grow. Although there are days when I make no sales in the workshop, income is realized once the products reach customers,’ he said. However, he acknowledged that competition for raw materials remains a challenge, with waste tyres increasingly being used in other sectors like road construction.
Ndengwa also highlighted challenges in obtaining the required quality of rubber for making sandals, which sometimes affects his ability to meet customer demand. He encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship by identifying opportunities within their areas of expertise. ‘Youth should use the knowledge and skills they acquire in school to create jobs rather than waiting to be employed. Every skill has an opportunity that can be transformed into a source of income,’ he said.
He observed that Kenya has limited small-scale manufacturers producing rubber bushes, with most of the products being imported from China. According to him, investing in local manufacturing would reduce dependence on imports and boost the local economy. Ndengwa further highlighted the environmental benefits of tyre recycling, noting that waste tyres are non-biodegradable and often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
He mentioned that the business remains sustainable throughout the year because both the raw materials and finished products are non-perishable. Even the off-cuts generated during production are sold, providing an additional source of income. Having supported his family through the enterprise for the past four years, Ndengwa attributes his success to discipline, innovation, and continuous learning. As Kenya grapples with rising youth unemployment, he believes that creativity and practical skills can play a key role in creating jobs and promoting sustainable development.
