Nzambi Matee is a Kenyan materials engineer and social entrepreneur who founded Gjenge Makers, a Nairobi-based company that turns plastic waste into durable, affordable building materials. After witnessing the scale of plastic pollution in her community, Matee founded her own business, eventually creating a high-strength plastic-sand composite that can be used to produce lightweight, long-lasting pavers.

Mattee’s work demonstrates how creative design thinking can transform waste into a valuable resource. In addition to redirecting plastic waste, this system also offers cost-effective building materials for sidewalks, homes, and other infrastructure. Her company also creates jobs within the community and models a circular-economy approach.

In 2020, Matee was recognized as a Young Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for her innovative contributions to addressing the global plastics crisis.