Plastic waste into boats
On Lamu Island, located off Kenya's eastern coastline, Usmail, a 47-year-old resident, collects plastic waste. He then sells this material to the Flipflopi Project.
This non-governmental organization, established in 2016, repurposes the waste into functional items like boats and furniture.
Lamu faces a significant challenge with accumulating plastic waste, much of it washing ashore on its beaches, while other portions are generated by its local inhabitants.
Usmail explains, "We began gathering plastics some time ago. There was a considerable amount of plastic refuse here in Lamu. We gather the plastic waste and sell it to the organization for 16 Kenyan Shillings per kilogram, which is approximately 16 US cents. We lack other employment opportunities, so this is how we earn money to educate our children and support our families."
The Flipflopi Project is sustained by grants from other non-governmental organizations, which enable them to purchase plastic waste from local residents.
A co-founder elaborates on the process carried out at their facility.
Ali Skanda begins, "We approach communities, and thanks to the grants we receive, we are able to buy plastic from them. Our transport personnel then deliver the plastic to us. Following an initial sorting, our team separates the plastics by type and colour. Once categorized, they are sent to a shredding station where they are broken down into small flakes or particles. These are then processed into 'lumbers' – pieces of material resembling wood, available in various shapes like round or square, and different colours. It is from these 'lumbers' that we then create furniture."
The organization also conducts studies into further applications for recycled plastic.
Skanda acknowledges that plastic recycling presents its own difficulties. He notes that contemporary plastic manufacturers often incorporate additives, which complicate the recycling process. Furthermore, some plastics can deteriorate from sun exposure, diminishing their quality. While theoretically nearly all plastic *can* be recycled, items composed of various plastic types or contaminated with other substances are considerably harder to process.
Since 2019, the organization has been operating the 'Flipflopi,' which is recognized as the world's first sailing vessel constructed entirely from recycled plastic – a traditional dhow. This remarkable boat famously journeyed from the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria. Two additional vessels have since been launched.
Reference
by Redaction Africanews
Kenya: Islanders upcycle washed up plastic waste into boats
africanews.com Available at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/18/kenya-islanders-upcycle-washed-up-plastic-waste-into-boats/
(Assessed: 20th January 2026)
