•Alice Muiruri’s Innovation Turns Agricultural Byproducts into Sustainable Products
In the heart of Kiambu County, 22-year-old Alice Muiruri, a student at Kiambu National Polytechnic, is pioneering an innovative approach to sustainability.
Her project, Bagasse Super Absorbent, is transforming sugarcane byproducts into eco-friendly, biodegradable products—proving that waste can be turned into wealth.
From Agricultural Waste to Sustainable Solutions
Kiambu County has a thriving sugarcane trade, with vendors sourcing the crop from local farms in Thika, Juja, and Ruiru.
A single stalk of sugarcane typically sells for between Sh50 and Sh100, depending on its size and quality.
However, once the juice is extracted, vendors are left with fibrous waste known as bagasse, which is often discarded or burned, contributing to environmental pollution.
Seeing an opportunity in this overlooked byproduct, Alice set out to develop sustainable alternatives.
She extracts juice from sugarcane stalks, leaving behind bagasse, which she processes into cellulose.
This refined material forms the basis of her biodegradable products, including scouring pads and sanitary pads.
Eco-Friendly Innovations in Cleaning and Hygiene
Alice’s biodegradable scouring pads are made by isolating lignin, a natural polymer found in sugarcane bagasse, and refining it into cellulose.
“The cellulose is treated and molded into pads that are tough, effective, and completely biodegradable,” she explains.
These eco-friendly alternatives offer a sustainable option to conventional synthetic scouring pads, which often contribute to plastic pollution.
Beyond cleaning products, Alice has expanded her innovation to personal hygiene. She has developed eco-friendly sanitary pads infused with natural turmeric and mint.
“The turmeric acts as a natural antibiotic, while the mint gives the pads a fresh scent, making them comfortable, safe, and sustainable,” she adds.
Her biodegradable sanitary pads provide an affordable and environmentally conscious alternative to commercial products.
A pack of sanitary pads sells for Sh100, while a single scouring pad costs Sh50, making them accessible to many local consumers.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the success of her project, Alice faces several hurdles in scaling up production.
Rising raw material costs, limited access to larger markets, and competition from other eco-friendly businesses pose significant challenges.
“I hope to expand our product range and reach more customers. It’s important that local authorities and investors support this initiative to create more job opportunities and promote sustainability in our community,” she emphasizes.
With the right support from local governments, investors, and environmental organizations, Alice’s Bagasse Super Absorbent project has the potential to grow into a major player in Kenya’s green economy.
A Model for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Alice’s work highlights the immense possibilities within Kiambu County’s agricultural sector.
By converting waste into valuable products, she is not only contributing to environmental conservation but also creating economic opportunities for herself and others.
Her journey serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs and innovators looking to develop sustainable solutions in their communities.
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If supported and scaled, her initiative could set a precedent for circular economy practices in Kenya and beyond—proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
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