Takazuri is a startup operating in the design and construction sector, founded in 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya, with a mission to develop smart and sustainable building products based on recycled materials. In the face of rapid urbanization and increasingly severe climate change across Africa, Takazuri identified an urgent need: to create building materials tailored to local conditions, that save energy while reducing plastic waste.
The startup’s flagship product is Climatile™, a versatile roofing and wall cladding material made from 75% recycled polypropylene plastic. More than just an architectural covering, Climatile™ integrates three outstanding features: effective thermal insulation, rainwater harvesting, and solar panel support. These capabilities help buildings move closer to energy and water self-sufficiency — a particularly meaningful goal in areas with limited resources or basic infrastructure.
From a technological standpoint, Climatile™ is designed as a lightweight, modular system that is easy to install without requiring specialized skills. Its smart interlocking mechanism accelerates the construction process and ensures water resistance. This makes it especially suitable for rural or peri-urban areas in Kenya, where the shortage of skilled construction workers remains a significant challenge. Compared to traditional materials such as cement tiles, metal sheets, or fired clay bricks, Climatile™ is lighter, more durable in hot and humid climates, and more environmentally friendly due to its use of recycled inputs.
To secure a stable supply of raw materials, Takazuri has built a circular business model in close partnership with local stakeholders like the Kwale Recycling Centre (KRC). Together, they collect plastic waste from coastal and urban areas. This not only helps clean up the environment but also creates livelihoods for women and youth in local communities, thereby promoting the growth of the circular economy at a grassroots level.
Takazuri’s growth journey extends beyond product development. In 2025, the startup had the opportunity to showcase its innovation at the P4G Summit in Vietnam — an event that gathers sustainable businesses, green investors, and policymakers. This was a key stepping stone for Takazuri to access international markets and affirm the value of its technology amid the global shift toward green architecture solutions.
One of the key lessons drawn from Takazuri’s model is the seamless integration of technology with local context. Instead of replicating solutions from developed markets, the startup designed its product based on real needs: electricity shortages, lack of clean water, harsh environmental conditions, and increasing waste. By embedding multiple functions — from insulation and rainwater harvesting to renewable energy support — into a single product, it not only enhances usability but also reduces investment costs for local residents.
Takazuri is a powerful example of how innovation, when combined with a deep understanding of local needs, can deliver scalable and sustainable building solutions. The company is helping shape the future of green architecture in Kenya and across the African continent.
