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.
He told KNA 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.
According to Ndengwa, the enterprise has proved profitable and sustainable, thanks to creativity, technical skills and determination.
Using improvised tools, he 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, the entrepreneur noted that competition for raw materials remains one of the major challenges facing the business.
He explained that waste tyres are increasingly being used in the production of cabro materials, road construction and wood preservatives.
He also cited difficulties in obtaining rubber of the required quality for making sandals, making it difficult to meet customer demand at times.
Ndengwa challenged young people to embrace entrepreneurship by identifying opportunities within their areas of expertise and turning them into viable businesses.
“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 very few 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 while enhancing the circulation of money within the local economy.
“This industry has immense potential. More Kenyans can venture into small-scale manufacturing and help bridge existing gaps in the market,” he added.
Ndengwa further highlighted the environmental benefits of tyre recycling, noting that waste tyres are non-biodegradable and often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and hiding places for harmful animals when abandoned.
He said 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, generating income and promoting sustainable development.
By Dickson Mwiti and Elizabeth Nzembi
