Riara University Students Win GBP 20,000 Grant for EcoGlass Kenya Innovation

Riara University is delighted to announce that a team of students from the School of Business has secured a prestigious GBP 20,000 grant under the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships – Innovation for African Universities: Enterprise and Innovation Challenge. The EcoGlass Kenya team submitted their proposal in August 2025 and received their award notification in November 2025.

About EcoGlass Kenya

EcoGlass Kenya is a visionary, student-led initiative tackling one of Kenya’s most underestimated environmental problems – glass waste. The project goes far beyond conventional recycling. It reimagines glass as a valuable resource, transforming discarded bottles into premium, reusable products through sustainable and innovative processes. By doing so, the initiative contributes to a circular economy, reduces landfill pressure, lowers carbon emissions, and empowers youth with practical skills in recycling, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. EcoGlass Kenya is built on a community-driven model, partnering with youth groups, small-scale vendors, informal waste collectors, and underserved communities. Together, they collect glass from high-waste zones and repurpose it into decorative homeware, upcycled art pieces, building materials, and other functional items. Through strong collaborations with local industries, the project is laying a solid foundation for long-term impact beyond the grant period.

Meet the Innovators

The EcoGlass Kenya team comprises talented students committed to reshaping Kenya’s waste management landscape:

• Ryan Gathitu – Team Lead
• Elvis Njeru
• Bellamy Chinedu