Kenya turns plastic waste into chess sets for education: Video
A Nairobi-based initiative is transforming discarded plastic from informal settlements into high-quality chess sets for schools and communities.
Non-profit Kijiji Solutions collects waste from areas such as Kibera and processes it through micro-manufacturing into tournament-ready chess pieces, combining environmental action with social impact. Founder Richard Haukom said the project creates jobs, reduces pollution and helps children develop critical thinking and life skills through chess. Educators report improved academic performance among students involved, while the initiative also challenges perceptions that chess is only for the wealthy. With ambitions to expand internationally, the organisation aims to replicate its model in other regions, linking recycling with education and community development.
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