From April 22nd to 26th, 2024, KCA University hosted a transformative Learning and Design Lab, uniting a diverse group of participants from Kenya and the United Kingdom funded by the British Council. Ten students from KCA University and ten from the University of Nottingham collaborated in this initiative, addressing a pressing environmental challenge posed by Chemolex, a company specializing in plastic recycling in Nairobi’s Korogocho slums. Sponsored by the British Council, the project emphasized the importance of international cooperation and sustainable development.
The week-long event focused on leveraging the participants’ creativity and technical expertise to tackle plastic waste management, a growing issue in Korogocho. Chemolex presented the core challenge: finding effective ways to collect, process, and repurpose plastic waste to reduce environmental damage while improving the livelihoods of local residents.
Innovation Sessions by Circle Innovation
The participants were guided through this complex challenge by Circle Innovation, which led a series of innovation workshops. These sessions aimed to stimulate creative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Using tools such as design thinking, rapid prototyping, and iterative testing, Circle Innovation helped the students convert their ideas into actionable solutions.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on activities and collaborative brainstorming sessions. They explored every stage of the plastic recycling process, from innovative collection strategies to creative product designs using recycled materials. The combination of local insights from KCA University students and technical expertise from the University of Nottingham enriched the overall experience.
A highlight of the lab was the development of several promising prototypes. Among them was a modular plastic sorting machine, designed for ease of operation in Korogocho’s challenging environment. Additionally, the students created a range of products from recycled plastics, including eco-friendly bricks and artisanal crafts. These solutions were not only functional but also culturally relevant, reflecting the unique needs of the local community.
This collaboration between KCA University, the University of Nottingham, British Council, Circle Innovation, and Chemolex demonstrated the power of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural partnerships in addressing global challenges. By the end of the lab, the participants gained valuable experience in innovation and design while contributing to a project with significant social and environmental impact.
The Learning and Design Lab at KCA University showcased how academic institutions, industry partners, and international organizations can work together to foster innovation and drive positive change. With the British Council’s sponsorship, this initiative not only highlighted the importance of sustainability in education but also demonstrated how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful solutions to real-world problems.