Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi is gifted handbags made from cement wastes by officials from Bamburi Cement PLC during the project's official launch at Kyemutheke Vocational Training Centre in Mavoko, Machakos County, on November 14, 2025./HANDOUTSome Machakos County residents are now earning a livelihood from waste materials after undergoing an upcycling training programme designed to empower communities through sustainable innovation and circular economy solutions.
They are beneficiaries of the Kyemutheke Cement Bags Upcycling Project, implemented by Bamburi Cement PLC in partnership with the County Government of Machakos.
“The Kyemutheke Upcycling Project reflects Bamburi Cement’s commitment to sustainability. Our guiding principles are anchored in creating green, progressive innovations that support people and the planet, ensuring the cycle comes full circle,” Bamburi Cement PLC Corporate Affairs and Social Impact Manager Lilian Njiru said.
Njiru spoke during the project’s official launch at Kyemutheke Vocational Training Centre in Mavoko, Machakos County, on Friday.
She said the cement maker was converting its waste into practical solutions that uplift communities through close collaboration with the County Government of Machakos.
According to Njiru, the launch marks a strategic public–private partnership aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods, advancing circular economy practices, and enhancing environmental conservation in Machakos County.
“The Kyemutheke Upcycling Project equips local artisans with practical skills to convert used Bamburi Cement bags into durable, high-quality products, including tote bags, school bags, and gym bags. Through this collaboration, materials that once posed environmental risks are now being repurposed into valuable, market-ready goods, turning waste management challenges into opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship,” she said.
The first cohort of 30 artisans—24 women and 6 men—graduated during the event, marking a major milestone in the project’s rollout. Beyond upcycling, participants received training in entrepreneurship and digital literacy, enabling them to market their products, run enterprises, and build sustainable small businesses.
Previously, used cement bags were a major source of waste, often clogging drainage systems and creating environmental hazards. Through this project, that challenge has been transformed into a model of circular innovation, fostering cleaner surroundings, job creation, and community resilience.
Njiru said the partnership between the County Government of Machakos and Bamburi Cement PLC stands as a blueprint for effective collaboration between public and private sectors, delivering shared value for citizens, the environment, and the economy.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the initiative was developed to empower the Kyemutheke community by equipping members with hands-on skills to upcycle used Bamburi Cement bags into attractive, durable, and market-ready products.
"Today, we celebrate the graduation of the first cohort of 30 artisans—24 women and 6 men—who have successfully completed their training. They are now fully equipped with the expertise to turn what was once considered waste into items of value, utility, and pride,” Mwangangi said.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Bamburi Cement PLC for their support and partnership. We look forward to more collaboration that uplifts and empowers our people,” he added.
