Africans turn ecological challenges into popular products

Born and brought up in western Kenya's Kisumu County, located on the shore of Lake Victoria, Newton Owino, saw opportunity in an environmental challenge.

Since fishing is one of the main industries in this region, fish waste was becoming a serious threat to the health of the neighboring communities and the aquatic life in Lake Victoria. Unlike the common options, Owino was convinced that he could turn the waste into useful products.

To make his dream a reality, he decided to pursue a bachelor of science degree in leather chemistry at a university in India, since the course was not offered locally.