Welcome to Kitengela Glass, a remarkable company in Kenya that transforms discarded glass into beautiful and functional art.
Located in Ongata Rongai, just 30 kilometers from Nairobi, Kitengela Glass is not just about making glass; it’s about recycling, sustainability, and community engagement.
Every day, this innovative studio recycles approximately 500 kilograms of glass—clear broken window panes and colorful bottles—making a significant impact on the environment while supporting local artisans.
At the heart of Kitengela Glass is Anselm Croze, whose journey is as fascinating as the art he creates. Growing up in a family of artists, Anselm was inspired by his mother, Nani Croze, who founded the studio in the early 1980s after being enchanted by the beauty of the Athi-Kapiti Masailand.
Anselm’s passion for glass art combines creativity with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. He believes that art can be both beautiful and sustainable.
Steps of Glassmaking:
Collecting Materials: Kitengela gathers broken window glass primarily from construction sites. This type of glass is chosen for its consistent thickness, making it ideal for recycling.
Melting the Glass: The collected glass is melted in large furnaces that reach temperatures of 1,100 degrees Celsius (about 30 times hotter than a very hot day!). This intense heat turns the solid glass into molten liquid, ready for shaping.
Shaping the Glass: A team of seven to eight skilled artisans work together to gather the molten glass using long metal rods. They carefully shape it into different forms using traditional techniques. Interestingly, they use wet newspaper bundles as tools to help shape the hot glass effectively.
Adding Color: To make their products even more special, artisans add colored powders to the molten glass. For example, when making gin bottles, they incorporate colored dots that represent different flavors, adding both beauty and practical information.
Cooling Down: After shaping, the glass items must cool down slowly to avoid cracking. They are then placed in a cooling oven for about 20 hours, where the temperature gradually decreases to around 520 degrees Celsius.
Final Touches: Once cooled, each piece is carefully inspected to ensure it meets high-quality standards before it reaches customers.
But Kitengela Glass goes beyond traditional glassware. They’ve developed innovative methods to use non-recyclable bottles by crushing them into fine powder and mixing this powder with cement.
This mixture is combined with their recycled glass to create unique furniture pieces, showcasing their commitment to finding uses for all types of waste.
The studio plays an essential role in its community by sourcing bottles from local members and encouraging neighborhood recycling efforts.
They invest in training their team in the art of glassblowing, creating valuable employment opportunities and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Many artisans have been part of the team for years; they work in intervals—spending time at home before returning for another cycle of creativity at the studio.
Kitengela Glass also actively engages with local communities to promote recycling and sustainability awareness.
By encouraging local members to participate in recycling initiatives, they foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment among community members.
Like many businesses, Kitengela faced challenges during economic downturns such as COVID-19. Instead, they adapted by focusing on sustainable practices that resonated with an increasingly eco-conscious market.
Anselm shared how they were ready to close in March 2020 as retail crashed but managed to pivot towards online retail while maintaining partnerships with brands like Procera Gin for bespoke projects.
The gin bottles produced at Kitengela are priced between 2,500 and 3,000 Kenyan Shillings. While this may seem expensive compared to mass-produced items, the price reflects the intensive labor involved in production and the high level of skill required to create these unique pieces.
Looking ahead, Anselm envisions expanding renewable energy initiatives within the studio while continuing to innovate in glass production techniques.
Kitengela Glass serves as an inspiring model for other businesses in Kenya and beyond to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize environmental responsibility alongside artistic creativity.
By transforming waste into beautiful art and fostering community engagement, they are shaping a brighter future for both people and the planet.
If you’re ever in Kenya or want to support sustainable practices, consider visiting Kitengela Glass or checking out their products online. Together, we can appreciate art while caring for our environment!
