Gift Gikonyo: Turning trash into treasure is his passion

In a modest workshop on the outskirts of Nairobi, discarded wine bottles are finding new life under the skilled hands of Gift Miningah Gikonyo. What many would consider waste, he sees as raw material; an opportunity to create functional art while addressing the growing concern of environmental sustainability.

Gikonyo, a Kenyan entrepreneur and trained mechanical engineer, did not always envision himself in the world of upcycling. His journey began years earlier, during a visit to Mombasa while he was still in high school. It was there that he first encountered upcycled drinking glasses made from wine bottles: an idea that would later shape his career path.

“The first time I ever saw upcycled drinking glasses was when I was in Mombasa; I was in high school at the time, and my parent suggested that I should figure out how to make similar products from wine bottles.” Gikonyo revealed to City Biz crew who visited him at his workshop.

Inspired by that suggestion, he returned to Nairobi with a renewed sense of curiosity. He began researching the craft, teaching himself the techniques required to transform discarded glass into polished, reusable items. Over time, what started as a simple experiment grew into a passion.

“After gaining the skill and producing multiple products, I started enjoying the process of cutting and polishing wine bottles,” he says. “That is when I decided to turn it into a business.”

He officially launched his venture in late 2020, producing handcrafted drinking glasses and other decorative items. However, like many young entrepreneurs, his journey was not without interruptions. In 2021, he paused the business to pursue a diploma in Mechanical Engineering, a decision he says has since strengthened his technical approach to the craft. After completing his studies, he resumed operations in December 2025 with renewed focus and improved skills.

Today, Gikonyo targets a niche market of customers who appreciate handmade, artistic, and eco-friendly products. He primarily markets his creations through social media platforms and by displaying samples at the Banana Hill Art Gallery, where his work has begun to attract attention from art enthusiasts and environmentally conscious buyers.

Despite his growing presence, penetrating the market remains a significant challenge.

“The major challenge currently is market penetration,” he admits, noting that building a steady customer base requires time, visibility, and consistent branding.

His production process is both meticulous and labor-intensive. Gikonyo sources used wine bottles from nearby cafés and restaurants, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. The bottles are first soaked in disinfectant water for several days to remove labels and impurities. He then uses a diamond-tip glass cutter to score precise lines around the bottle’s circumference.

“For more complex shapes and curves, I use a power tool with a diamond cutting disk,” he explains.

Once cut, the glass undergoes several stages of polishing using a lap machine fitted with diamond polishing disks of varying grit levels. This process ensures that each piece achieves a smooth, clear, and safe finish. The final products are then soaked in hot disinfected water, cleaned thoroughly, and carefully packaged for delivery.

Beyond the technical process, Gikonyo sees his work as part of a broader environmental and creative movement.

“Bottles are often discarded after the treasure inside is consumed,” he reflects. “Recycling bottles isn’t just about waste reduction, it’s about creativity and giving them a second life.”

Through his craft, he is not only earning a livelihood but also reshaping perceptions around waste and sustainability. Each piece he creates carries a story of transformation; of materials once overlooked, now reborn into objects of beauty and utility.

“Every bottle reborn is a story retold,” he observes.

As he continues to refine his craft and expand his market reach, Gikonyo stands as an example of how innovation, persistence, and creativity can turn even the simplest ideas into meaningful enterprise.