Nani’s son Anselm runs an efficient shop, turning out commercially styled glass at breakneck pace. In a country that has precious few recycling facilities, his beautiful glasses, chandeliers, and vases are more than just a pretty luxury. They also provide an invaluable ecological service that celebrates the indigenous Kenyan identity.
Kitengela’s eco-credentials are further boosted by a small wind turbine, solar panels, and bio-gas, which combined provides all of the fuel necessary for cooling, heating, lighting and cooking. Waste from the various camels, pigs, ostriches, ducks, chickens and other animals is collected in a large vat. The methane gas is then extracted and piped to a cooking area, while the remaining concoction is used to fertilize a thriving vegetable garden.
Given its complete devotion to keeping nature beautiful, Kitengela is architecturally and ecologically exciting, a genuine learning experience for anyone who visits. But it is also an inspiring eco-tourism destination for those who desperately need some soul-reviving R&R.
How inspiring and absolutely beautiful. Wow! I would love to visit the studio and see this place. Every little nook looks incredible. A recycler’s dream place!
My work and my philosophy are much the same. Turning glass and other trash into something beautiful is so fulfilling. Kitengela looks like an amazing wonderland of nature and fun. I would love to turn my business into something like this!