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In Nairobi, a mushroom farm is transforming Kenya’s construction industry by turning fungi into affordable, eco-friendly building materials. The farm supplies mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to local startup MycoTile, which combines it with natural fibers to create durable, biodegradable panels. These fungi-based boards are used for insulation and decor at roughly two-thirds the cost of traditional materials, offering a lifeline in a city facing a housing deficit of two million units. Founder Mtamu Kililo says the company also repurposes 250 tons of agricultural waste each year, cutting pollution while lowering construction costs. As Kenya moves to decarbonize its building sector, MycoTile’s innovation could redefine sustainable housing across Africa.
AP