Students champion sustainability with reusable diaper innovation

Meet Cecilia Kahawa, 23, and Fridah Kathure, 22, two students from Nkabune Technical Training Institute, Meru, who are on a mission to promote sustainable resources.

Last year, they came up with a project for homemade reusable absorbent briefs, crafted from locally sourced materials.  

Inspired by their commitment to promoting the sustainable use of community resources, the duo set out to not only address the needs of locals but also display the power of resourcefulness and sustainability in driving impactful solutions. 

“We are doing a course in Liberal Studies, Social work and Community Development. It is one of our responsibilities to use what is locally available to create a solution. We settled on the reusable diapers to promote sustainable use of community resources and help those who can’t afford to buy commercial ones,” Cecilia says.

“These diapers are made through locally available materials such as old towels and cotton wool as the absorbent material that traps waste. We also use a waterproof material and a clip line to create a protective shield. These are inexpensive materials and I can say, we didn’t face high production costs,” Cecilia says. 

The diapers innovated by these students are meant for teenagers and elderly people who are facing various challenges that cause them to have incontinence or those who are bedridden, the elderly and those who have conditions that affect movement and posture like cerebral palsy. 

“A good number of people have approached us asking if we can help them meet this need. Our innovation is not just about showcasing our skills but also about helping the community,” Cecilia adds.

The cost of disposable adult diapers in the market ranges from Sh1,700 - 2,700 for a pack of 10. Imported reusable diapers can cost as much as Sh1,000 for a single piece. 

“From the environmental angle, if you have ever visited a garbage site, what you will find there nowaday s are disposable diapers and sanitary pads. When they are disposed recklessly, they are an eyesore. These homemade diapers will help to reduce environmental pollution since they are reusable and are not disposed of after every use,” she says. 

It is estimated that Kenya generates between 3,000 to 4,000 tonnes of waste per day, the majority of which originates from urban areas. Nairobi alone, generates an estimated 2,400 tonnes of solid waste daily, 20 per cent of which is in plastic form, according to the World Bank.

Cecilia says that apart from disposable diapers being a major contributor to environmental pollution, the cost of the commodity is out of reach for many of those who need it. She calls on stakeholders to promote the innovation of sustainable products adding that they will help consumers cut costs, especially in the current economy. 

She urges the government of Kenya to support innovative students in TVET institutions by spotting unique skills and helping them get their products out to the market. She adds that this is one way of encouraging innovative talent.

She further encourages youths to focus on skills courses because they provide an alternative to employment and allow the youth to not only be their own bosses but also provide opportunities for others. 

Solomon Githinji, a trainer and a mentor to the two students from Nkabune Vocational and Training Institute says that the duo’s innovation will serve as an inspiration for others.  

“We need to deliver our service to the community. That’s how we work. This innovation is just a start. We are planning to come up with more as long as society’s challenges need to be solved. I have been mentoring Cecilia and Fridah for a long time and it’s my happiness to see them a step ahead in providing sustainable solutions. To all youths, if you are back in the village, just join TVET institutions and no single day you will regret why you did so,” Solomon says.