Kimani wa Makaratasi: From Grass to Grace, Turning Paper into Possibility

Kimani wa Makaratasi is one of Kenya and East Africa’s most renowned entrepreneurs, a living testament to resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven enterprise.

His journey is a classic grass-to-grace story. From humble beginnings, Kimani built Jamii Products, a homegrown venture that has redefined recycling by transforming simple manila papers into marketable products and sustainable income. What many saw as waste, he saw as opportunity — a vision that has earned him recognition as a true visionary in the circular economy space.

Beyond business success, Kimani is deeply committed to uplifting young people. He is urging students who may not have performed as expected in the KCSE examinations not to lose hope or confidence.

“Results do not define your future,” he says. “What matters is how you use your time, your skills, and your creativity.”

He encourages such students to stay productive by enrolling in short, practical courses, particularly at Jamii Products, where hands-on training in recycling, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship equips learners with employable skills and pathways to self-reliance.

Through innovation, mentorship, and belief in second chances, Kimani wa Makaratasi continues to prove that no effort is wasted — and no dream is too small to grow.