Kenya’s Jambojet has received international recognition after being named the winner of the ‘Most Compelling Story’ award at The Aviation Challenge (TAC) held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In a press statement dated 26 January 2026, the airline celebrated its award in Environmental sustainability.
“We are proud of our partnership with Plastiki Rafiki for The Aviation Challenge, a testament to our constant innovation and commitment to sustainability. Each year, we are challenged to not only elevate our service but also to make a positive difference in the communities we serve,” said Jambojet Managing Director and CEO, Karanja Ndegwa.
The award celebrates the airline’s innovative partnership that transforms plastic waste into valuable products while supporting education, community livelihoods, and sustainable aviation practices.
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Community-Led Innovation of Turning Plastic Waste into Value
Jambojet earned the global accolade through its collaboration with Plastiki Rafiki, a people-powered circular economy initiative that brings together students and community artisans to address plastic pollution.
The project involved a student-led club from the International School of Kenya, together with skilled artisans from the Mathare slum in Nairobi.
Plastic waste collected from beach clean-ups, airport recycling points, and staff contributions was upcycled into practical products such as keychains and fridge magnets. The initiative successfully diverted more than 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste from landfill.
Jambojet has conducted coastal beach clean-ups for four years, posing a challenge on what to do next.
Plastiki Rafiki provided a sustainable solution by turning plastic waste into a valuable resource.
Apart from environmental impact, the project offered hands-on sustainability experience to 10 students and income-generating opportunities to 15 artisans, demonstrating how education, livelihoods, and environmental action can work together.
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Jambojet’s Sustainability Efforts
Beyond the Plastiki Rafiki collaboration, Jambojet’s participation in the 2025 Aviation Challenge focused on practical, measurable improvements in airline operations.
These included single-engine taxiing, auxiliary power unit (APU) shutdowns supported by increased ground power unit (GPU) availability, and the use of Continuous Descent Approach (CDA) where operationally feasible to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Travelers were engaged through airport sustainability quizzes, in-flight announcements explaining the environmental initiatives, distribution of seeded notebooks and bookmarks designed to encourage environmental action after travel.
These efforts reflected Jambojet’s approach to sustainability—combining behind-the-scenes operational efficiency with visible, passenger-facing initiatives that raise awareness and inspire behaviour change.
Jambojet has also expanded its aviation textile upcycling initiative through collaboration with Kenya Airways (KQ).
Retired seat covers, uniforms, and cabin textiles from both airlines have been transformed into travel-inspired products.
The collaboration also introduced a jointly developed Business Development Program, equipping designers and community groups with skills in sustainable production and entrepreneurship, turning creativity into viable, circular businesses.
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