Meet Murang'a man who makes petrol and diesel from recycled plastic waste, uses it to power his car

James Murichu's passion for innovation saw him immerse into diesel making, after studying the chemistry behind it. In collaboration with his colleague Michael Nthenge, the two read books and used their knowledge to recycle plastic waste and manufacture petrol and diesel. Murichu uses the diesel to drive his car, while petrol is used in smaller engines such as water pumps, power saws and generators. Murichu spoke to Citizen Digital on how he concieved and actualised this idea.

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thanks to everyone for all your kind words. For the doubting Thomases, we will soon showcase farmers who have been using our product to irrigate their farms during the dry season.

[@asheru9254]

Bwana Bei Ya Mafuta imenilemea, where can I come to buy your alternative fuel?

[@graciamuamba2351]

Hi how can I connect with you am from DRC and I really l'île your idea

[@ProGreenInnovations]

@@graciamuamba2351We wanna stabilize in Kenya first before trying new markets, but let's keep in touch

[@mamu2325]

Wow.. that’s really good. God bless you and take care.

[@cwainaina]

Hats off to u, this shld get more coverage...

[@rockmoneymedia3607]

Protect this man at all cost

[@amosmilimu4947]

From?

[@fredkangethe7497]

​@@amosmilimu4947multi nationals. You think they would clap for him?. What sort of a question is that?!

[@Joylynw]

True, I thought so as well

[@crayfish3629]

There are those who invented the process before him so he cant be killed🙏

[@gracekimani8834]

Very much, may gd Lord protect him for ever wakenya tununue petrol yake Sasa, Mungu hufanya njia badala, ni

[@BritBoundDiaries]

Kenyans who have lived abroad tend to come back with ideas that stand out

[@kim1570]

True. They come back with a fresh pair of eyes.

[@darelet]

Except politicians

[@b.3940]

True.

[@dadafaysoul5806]

​@@darelet😂😂😂😂

[@WambuaKyondo-sx7bb]

These are the kind of people this country needs

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thank you

[@domnicodhiambo5034]

Will wazungus allow him ? Brain drain ....just watch

[@wilfredrua5313]

We need people like this not Ruto and rigy g

[@FxEdge365]

Kra wataanza kumsumbua,

[@sintoderrick6277]

​@@wilfredrua5313na watu wa maandamano 😂

[@vanjay8685]

This guy is a legend and a genius too... he needs to be supported

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thank you sir

[@unclegshow7187]

His oratory skills are also on top notch keep up man

[@jimmymutua]

Congratulations engineer. We need more of these innovations in Africa. Africa arise and shine.

[@Annsikoboy-ut8bs]

I have nothing to say. This man is what Kenya needs.

[@lucyvibesgermany]

We want him in all media houses ..WHAT AN INVENTOR...BRAVO

[@eduwino151]

it is not a new invention its called Pyrolysis red necks i n America have been using it to make crude petrol for years

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thanks for the good wishes

[@lynnmaringa6208]

He will be blocked by the big guys crazy

[@wawerukamau1260]

This man should be taken to Turkana and make a team to start home grown refinery to help Kenya in refining our own crude oil.

[@kennedykinyua2218]

Good work man

[@williamwatitwa3534]

The problem isnt refining but mining

[@wawerukamau1260]

@@williamwatitwa3534 said who ? Exploration has already been carried out by Tullow but they strategically abandoned the whole. Process by fearing it would spoil the party for big oil marketers and giving lame excuse that the whole exercise was not viable.

[@johnmacharia5989]

I was in Kprl just 2months ago lemme tell you they no longer do refinery. They converted everything into storage vessel

[@ProGreenInnovations]

We can easily refine that Turkana oil

[@Mr.joshua19]

No one will talk about him ...wakisimama juu ya gari ni ooooh mzee wa kitendawili yet this a life changing idea that can change our country 9:19

[@kelvinsankale]

Congratulations sir, you even have a refinery! 😮the only one in the whole country that's functional. So proud of you again.

[@AbuMuhammad]

Wooow amazing fungeni petrol station tupange mlolongo kwa huyu jamaa❤

[@hassancharo1496]

Government ita muacha uta sikiya uziya serekali hii ama tuifunge

[@beatkidd]

Ive worked with him in software design, am proud to see you get recognition sir

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Asante bro. Mind transition. From software to chemistry

[@petermachariakamau8486]

Can I get his phone number?

[@anthonygikuri]

Bro these kinds of brains zinatakiwa Africa

[@fredkangethe7497]

​@@petermachariakamau8486the problem is when they can't give contacts.

[@starbornrise]

This guy is a pure genius. He deserves a Nobel prize for this brilliant innovation. As a science enthusiast, I wish I would meet him and discuss scientific ideas with him.

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thanks my brother. Am available anytime. Together we can make our country more prosperous

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Good wishes. Thank you

[@antonyodhiambo1412]

​@@ProGreenInnovationsThis is Great! Do you fabricate the industrial briquettes' machines? We're into briquette-production

[@crayfish3629]

Yes for this time but the invention was made by some years back by purdue university

[@yussufduale4142]

I really appreciate your amazing response and more support to help him and dying Kenyans!!!

[@benardsnell6872]

I think these are the kind of people and their ideas that the government should invest on... This is true definition of brilliance 👌👌

[@jonahbelyon660]

Wow!! Brilliant guys.. saving environment and starting to make money. Investors will show up soon..

[@itiamekimbui722]

we are our own investment we just need to believe in yourself w youth should cust out the spirit of jobless ness Africa we have brain potential and the outside world is aware

[@alexkaranja1308]

Such an articulate and clear person. How I wish Citizen TV Kenya could do a longer entire feature on the feasibility and make him a household name.

[@annkamau2760]

Protect this man by all means

[@victorkipchumba3270]

The kind of innovations we are glad to hear in our country

[@lunchbox5664]

Kenyans abroad who have the financial capital should be investing into this man.

[@its_simply_Ndooch]

Made in Kenya series❤.....Happy for this ...🎉🎉

[@jyn3439]

Oh my! This is awesome... You're making Kenya proud.. This kind of innovation needs full support....I'm sure the government could really support this

[@eduwino151]

it is not a new invention its called Pyrolysis red necks i n America have been using it to make crude petrol for years

[@chrisogonas]

Incredible job, Jemo, and more so given your venture equally contributes to environmental cleanup as well as generating income to the waste collectors. You are killing many birds from one stone. 👍🏾

[@boycheezy]

Rhis is negative recycling though. Degrading plastic to make petrol or diesel to pollute the air. Hydrogen fuel is the safest future there is. I hope there are brains already looking into that. Kudos to Him though🎉

[@mangeraalbert7982]

Thanks kka, never associate with any politicians, do your job alone ❤❤❤

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Noted sir

[@nicholaskimtai6746]

@@ProGreenInnovations Kazi nzuri sana.. Would wish to pay a visit to your plant😀

[@collinsentrepreneur4705]

If the government supports these brilliant innovations,the skyrocketing oil prices that is currently witnessed around the globe wouldn't affect as that much .This idea by this man can transform our country's economy.The government should help this engineer so that his idea can be done in large scale.

[@rang3688]

This is wonderful. But Murang’a seems to be the center of Kenya inventors. We have that man who made village Hydro power station, the Magiro hydro power plant.

[@muhoromilly8573]

I Salute 🫡 you Mr Muritu.. Progreen innovation is the future we need. 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@JanetKimani]

Moses Kuria!!!!! Should see this! Ndio hii kisima

[@ianmuchina2865]

This is brilliant and very impressive, congratulats bro at least you learnt something from school, Recycling waste to come up with a product that's awesome salute 👏 🙌

[@ambermin5442]

Congratulations ! You are a national treasure and Kenya government should support people like you !

[@thomastiroch1770]

Imagine if that guy use the heat to also produce electric Power biside he got an complete recycling Powerplant + Petrol such people like him the world need more

[@miketrayn]

Pyrolysis, I once had such a project during the time Kenya faced energy crisis and petroleum had become so scarce. It actually produced very awful smelling combustible gases and liquids which I was unable to condense to petroleum in different temperatures. I gave up on the idea. As a chemistry enthusiast, I'm glad to see someone has picked up on the project and doing great. Kudos

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Asante

[@hassanhamidu3291]

@@ProGreenInnovations you should not give up.Insha Allah you will make it.

[@realsialo_jnr]

Impressive, locally owned and produced.

[@muziki79]

Kenya needs 10 more gifted innovators like this gentleman....this innovator needs serious government funding and security

[@ricmaina2801]

Govt shd fund them but are busy ordering for new V8's and par diems for CS's flying out of Kenya every 2weeks....Good Job Engineer, Henry Ford and Rudolf Diesel started like this - You will make it big once the International media picks up on that.🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thank you for the encouraging words

[@kaysam3009]

You are a trailblazer sir! Wishing you all the best in this journey.

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Asante sana

[@shukabol8438]

This is the kind of innovation I encourage. Tengeneza machine Unaeza tumia kukupa pesa ama ikusaidie. Si Bora machine.

[@francisomondi3549]

Keep it up! This is the best news I have come across since this month started.

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Thanks

[@annthuo7264]

The great power to transform the world is always within us diligence and competent is all what we need

[@georgeikinya2779]

Any government that is serious in job creation and industrial development should avail all the resources and support this incredible kenyan needs to fully actualize his seemingly noble dreams .

[@masterkim198]

Genius like this should not be allowed to pay taxes for 7yrs,He is providing job opportunities for Kenyan citizens, which that government has failed to do so

[@Cts_ville]

Agreed 💯

[@rolloutmustangs3098]

😂😂 waaezi maliza yeye ...ile anatoa nkidogo ..it's a good idea but it's take tym kutoa mafta mob..

[@leonardoking3670]

Hats off to this gentleman. Sheer respect to his heart in inventing actual products with a need everyone on earth can relate to!

[@tomodhiambo5883]

This guy has a 3-D type of brain.... Salute you!

[@pastorpetersonmuhunye]

anyone within the statehouse to help this clip reach the president ,because the other day He really insisted about production and manufacturing industries to boost the economy of our country,this manis one of the resources that kenya has,men of understanding should rise up quickly to hold this man hand so that our lives will be better

[@snjau7613]

These gentlemen are the real Kenyans. They feed their families from the sweat of their blow,they steal from no one

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Asante. Yeah, real damn sweat

[@emsea_mayer]

Indeed a masterpiece.

[@fatumasaid195]

Also muranga will be free from plastic waste wow

[@mugo5075]

Bright minds are rare. Kudos man

[@irenehazyNa6339]

Wow Kenya has great brains

[@chidebrutechs]

Kudos Engineer James, it's awesome rightly as you put it. Invention matches the time perfectly.

[@lemayianamos5610]

Really impressed by your innovative ideas

[@GideonNjuguna-co8gn]

Wow it's good that the Kenyan industry is moving to another level. Congrats to him for his great innovation 👏Kudos

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Asante

[@jenniferkombi1548]

Good job Mr. James. This is truly brilliant. May the Lord bless the work of your hands. Africa we Can.

[@johnndungu8764]

Muranga pple never disappoint

[@luckyluchano1]

This is so amazing...bravo! Brother 😊

[@tauredtv99]

He is a threat to politicians who own dozens of petrol stations countrywide. He needs state security

[@williamwatitwa3534]

Petrol stations dont produce fuel, they sell fuel

[@franciswarutumo1627]

The state is the politicians 😢

[@catekariuki3567]

You are right, man

[@christopherkariuki7181]

He needs a private security team like recce squad

[@tauredtv99]

@@christopherkariuki7181 sure. He should open a gas ⛽ tutanunua tu. This politicians are killing common mwananchi.

[@FameFortune668]

May fuel cartels dont hont this man,,may he be protected at all means

[@sponsalfathedj8177]

Yes

[@wavidani]

I take my hat off to you! Love the environment, so kudos for using and clearing the dreaded plastic waste that is spoiling our land and water. That you can make money off it, is a bonus! You restore hope in putting Africans up there with other inventors

[@johson6963]

Remember crude oil some time is used to produce plastics so its very possible to get those produced plastics as raw materials to repurpose it to refined diesel or petrol.

[@dennismunene9193]

This guys never missed classes, thumbs up

[@kmipos]

Kenya needs more of his kind

[@anderikusjuadi]

Congratulations brothers, great inventions 👏👏👏

[@silentent727]

Hi can believe we r buying from overseas yet we can refine locally.continue bro n brand n also market will support u

[@IsaacKaruma]

Uyu jamaa apewe servants quarter state house this man is fighting for indipendence in this neo-economic crisis ii akili ni top notch💯🇰🇪

[@simongitu7311]

This is a great invention,make it big and employ more young pple.

[@ProGreenInnovations]

Definitely

[@narribnaddo3159]

This guy knows the purpose for coming to earth sisi wengine let's still watch ourselves

[@justusndegwa]

Extremely brilliant and inspiring.

[@grichmantosh4156]

Necessity is the mother of invention. Great ideas that solve problems instead of lamenting how the Government isn't putting food on our tables. Congratulations 🎉 to you Sir. You are a problem solver. When Your product is finally in the market will be your constant customer. Also I can be one of your distributors as well marketing.

[@psalms112kids9]

Wao!!!! This is epic!!! Kudos to the two guys. This could be a game changer in soaring energy costs in Kenya.

[@positiveandfunny4332]

Very innovative, The Government needs to support him financially and with Land so that we produce our own petroleum while conserving the environment,He should be supported security wise

[@dicksonkarash7958]

Wow... you got me there..... "we fine tune the process" congrats

[@Jerome.Levite]

Wow, I'm blown away!

[@leahwaithaka1083]

My oh my this is impressive man! Hats off

[@mercymaina7783]

Congratulations Engineer James 👏 Brilliant innovation. Will be buying fuel for my generator.

[@ProGreenInnovations]

asante

[@stivomash8335]

This is the kind of reports we need reported on our screens not showing us what UDA performance year to date. Kudos man please come and change Kenya

[@petersakariwakube8215]

Magnificent. Now that you have excess plastics that can't be used for fuel divert them into another product. Make fencing poles. Engineer Nthenge can make moulds for that. All the best.

[@dariusakwabi3381]

Congratulations to both of you... and thank you for reminding us we should strive for better

[@peteroyamo6360]

Wow. This is a mind blowing invention, kudos to my fellow citizens. We can do it and bring down the cost of fuel that is currently high. I am ready to support where possible.

[@thykingdomworld]

One week later..KRA. "We have introduced an 18% tax on fuel made out of plastics"

[@eliudmwangi2887]

The innovation it's all over the world but am happy he brought it in Kenya

[@peterlonyait4101]

Intelligent mind.. origin Kenya..makofi..we such inventory not makelele💪

[@musongaro]

To say that I'm impressed is an understatement. Kudos!

[@Nana-kx8kd]

You Guys are the children of Mother Afrika. Pls dont let anyone hold you back from this magnificent Innovation.👏👏👏👏🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@cleophasopuken4568]

Keep up the great work, hope one day everyone embrace your innovation and the country support too

[@samuelndegwamburu3273]

Masomo ni poa haki, watoto si msome kwa bidii

[@wawerukamau1260]

Masomo bila uvumbuzi na utafiti ni Bure.

[@dicksonkarash7958]

😂😂people have degree na hawa kazi

[@Man_With_A_Plan]

Good invention guys. This is what we need.

[@bernardkariuki4524]

Such a genius innovation. Hope it can be scaled in the future.

[@diddiousdenali]

This is brilliant 👏🏽 with the right funding and support you’ll go places

[@martinkaranja4208]

Awesome innovation!! You are a world changer!!

[@ev.stephenmureithi7064]

This is amazing. I love the innovation in them. Will be paying a visit to them.

[@vivosereni]

I know Nthenge persinaly he is agood guy with pyrolysis knowledge but he needs funding and he is the one who made that machine .

[@heraldloshi1864]

I call such persons,first aiders of our country's economy. Good work,snd all the best.

[@jamiomoses24]

Bless you for such an amazing innovation.

[@ojoklawrence6562]

Good higher bro. Keep it up. Mother Nature needs more of u

[@KangsDKN]

Traveling is something important.... Very important.

[@silvanusowuor3661]

This is an innovation that our government needs to support and sponsor ❤

[@blackjackal8458]

Impressive, i like seeing this, hope they get more funds to expand it

[@revleonardkaranja5125]

Pray for the best for you guys that you succeed.

[@felixmurai2495]

Nice. Perfect purity and quality levels. Standardose RON ratings and we can adopt this quickly