Dr. Catherine Ngila

Developed eco-friendly plastic from cassava, addressing environmental challenges in Kenya.

Scientific Breakthrough

In 2003, Dr. Catherine Ngila, a Kenyan chemist, revolutionized waste management by creating biodegradable plastic from cassava starch. This innovation reduced Kenya’s plastic pollution, which had reached crisis levels with 100 million plastic bags discarded annually. Her research at the University of Nairobi demonstrated that cassava-based plastic decomposes within 3 months compared to conventional plastic’s 500+ year lifespan.

Early Career

Born in 1960 in Nyeri, Kenya, Ngila earned a PhD in chemistry from the University of Nairobi. Her work on plastic degradation mechanisms earned international attention. She later led the university’s Department of Chemistry, training over 50 graduate students in environmental science.

Commercialization

Ngila’s invention attracted interest from global manufacturers like BASF, but she prioritized local implementation. In 2008, she partnered with Kenya’s Ministry of Environment to establish cassava-based packaging factories. By 2015, over 30% of Kenya’s agricultural packaging used her material.

Policy Impact

Her advocacy contributed to Kenya’s 2017 plastic bag ban, one of the world’s strictest. Ngila advises the African Union on sustainable materials and co-authored the UNEP report on biodegradable alternatives. She also trains rural communities to process cassava waste into bioplastics, creating income streams for 10,000+ households.

Global Recognition

Awarded the National Geographic Emerging Explorer title in 2009, Ngila’s work features in Nature Sustainability. Her "Bio-Based Materials for a Plastic-Free Africa" (2018) textbook is used in African universities.

Future Vision

Ngila’s current research focuses on algae-based bioplastics and partnerships with Engineering World Health to reduce medical waste. She envisions a circular economy where Africa leads in sustainable materials innovation.