Meet Charles Kimani, popularly known as Kimani Wa Makaratasi, a visionary Thika-based entrepreneur and the founder of Jamii Products. His company specializes in manufacturing eco-friendly carrier bags, aptly referred to as “makaratasi” in Swahili.
Kimani’s entrepreneurial journey began humbly, marked by resilience, determination, and a keen eye for opportunity. With these traits, he transformed a small loan into a thriving multi-million-shilling enterprise. His inspiring story highlights how perseverance and innovation can lead to remarkable success.
In 2018, Kimani established Jamii Products with a mission to address the environmental challenges posed by the widespread use of polythene bags. When the Kenyan government banned plastic bags, Kimani seized the moment to introduce sustainable alternatives.
“It was a new dawn, and I decided to be part of changing the narrative in the packaging industry,” he recalls.
Starting with a modest loan of just Ksh 1,600 from Safaricom’s M-Shwari platform, Kimani embarked on his journey.
“I started with a loan of Ksh 1,600 from M-Shwari. It is on record. When I saw it growing, I knew this is God’s love,” he reflects.
Today, Jamii Products manufactures an array of biodegradable and cost-effective khaki paper products, including packaging bags, envelopes, gift bags, popcorn bags, cake boxes, and book covers. These products not only offer a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics but also contribute to environmental conservation.
Beyond manufacturing, Jamii Products is committed to community empowerment through training programs. These programs equip participants with skills to produce packaging bags, envelopes, book covers, popcorn bags, gift bags, and cake boxes, as well as knowledge in branding, marketing, and minimizing material wastage.
The training extends to recycling waste into useful products such as dustbins, charcoal briquettes, and chairs, promoting a circular economy and zero-waste management. Individual participants can enroll for Ksh 15,000, while group sessions cost between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 7,500 per person. The program is open to youths, women, people with disabilities (PwDs), caregivers, and prisoners, with no restrictions on age or educational background.
To date, over 8,500 individuals have benefited from the training, and 19 jobs have been created, including opportunities for three individuals with disabilities and one former prisoner. Kimani has empowered 25 disability groups in Kibra, Kiambu, and Nanyuki and supported six prisons across Central and Nairobi regions.
Driven by a vision of a circular economy, Kimani believes waste should be seen not as a burden but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
Jamii Products is strategically located opposite Mang’u High School along Thika Road. For inquiries, you can contact Kimani at 0728884303. To stay updated on their latest products and initiatives, follow Jamii Products Limited on Facebook.
