Murang’a Engineer Turns Plastic Waste Into Diesel and Petrol, Pioneering Eco-Friendly Fuel Innovation

James Muritu, founder of Progreen Innovations Limited, is transforming plastic waste into diesel and petrol-equivalent fuels, offering a sustainable solution to Kenya’s growing environmental challenges.

Despite initial skepticism—some even jokingly accused him of being high—Muritu, alongside his colleague Michael Nthenge, dove deep into research, discovering the specific types of plastic that can be converted into fuel.

“Our goal is not just to clean the environment, but to recover value from waste plastics,” Muritu explains. The innovation helps reduce environmental pollution while producing usable energy. The project is currently in its pilot phase, with Muritu successfully powering his own car using the fuel. Early users report impressive performance.

Engineering Meets Chemistry
With over 20 years of experience in engineering across Africa, North America, Australia, and Europe, Muritu only developed an interest in chemistry three years ago. While experimenting with aluminum recovery, he noticed plastic melting into a jelly-like substance, sparking his curiosity.

Muritu and Nthenge, a mechanical engineer, designed a process to convert plastic into fuel. Plastic is first collected, sorted, shredded, and washed to remove impurities. It is then heated in a two-stage reactor: the first cycle produces heavy crude oil, while the second cycle refines it into usable fuel.

From Pilot to Commercialization
Muritu has personally funded the project, secured a patent, and completed the NEMA environmental impact assessment. With adequate investment, he plans to scale the innovation to multiple towns and cities, creating jobs and reducing fuel production costs for energy-dependent businesses.

This breakthrough not only addresses plastic pollution but also introduces a renewable energy solution, positioning Murang’a as a hub for eco-friendly innovation.