In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, efficiency, and affordability, innovative builders like Paul Awambo, Founder and CEO of Eco Build, and his Co-Founder, Geoffrey Okal, are revolutionizing the construction industry with interlocking bricks.
Unlike conventional bricks, interlocking bricks fit together without mortar, utilizing a shear key and lock mechanism.
It converts hazardous gold mining and leaching waste, contaminated with mercury and cyanide, into durable, eco-friendly, and affordable interlocking bricks and blocks, addressing both environmental and construction challenges.
The widespread gold mining and leaching operations in Siaya County lack proper waste management, posing significant environmental and health risks due to inadequate sustainable waste disposal practices.
Located in Nango, Central Sakwa Ward, Bondo Sub-County, Eco Build began transforming this groundbreaking idea in 2020. That year, the company conducted feasibility tests on mining waste for production, designed and fabricated small sample units, and evaluated their functionality in 2021.
By 2022, Eco Build started detoxifying mineral waste and has since processed tonnes of hazardous materials. The company also conducted its first market test and commercial sales that year.
In 2023 and 2024, Eco Build expanded its production capacity and formed partnerships, including with Safaricom, which donated a manual interlocking brick-making machine.
Currently, Eco Build employs 11 workers, including four founders and six laborers, creating job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled youth in the region.Each interlocking block costs Ksh 40, compared to Ksh 10 for a regular clay brick. However, interlocking blocks reduce overall construction costs by 30%, requiring less water, cement, and labor. For instance, a one-bedroom house can be built in just one day using interlocking blocks, significantly faster than with traditional clay bricks.
Eco Build’s founders are committed to reducing carbon emissions, deforestation, and land degradation. They noted that devolution through the county government has streamlined permits and licenses for businesses like theirs.
However, they seek further support in policymaking to promote such innovations and funding to acquire a hydraulic machine, which could increase production from 300 bricks per day with the manual machine to a much higher output.
Looking ahead, the founders aim to collaborate with construction experts, conduct further research, and develop more environmentally friendly solutions.
At the Pre-Devolution Conference Innovation Exhibition hosted at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, they expressed gratitude to the Nyalore administration for the opportunity to showcase their innovation to the people of Siaya. They remain optimistic about becoming leaders and champions of sustainable construction in Siaya County and beyond.
