MycoTile, a Nairobi-based company, is creating sustainable building panels from mushroom mycelium and agricultural waste, providing an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to traditional bricks and cement. These panels are used for roof and wall insulation and cost about two-thirds of conventional materials, while still offering similar quality, according to local homeowners.

The company produces around 3,600 square yards of panels each month. One street vendor spent just $208 to install panels in her 161-square-foot home, showcasing the cost-effectiveness of this solution in a city struggling with a housing shortage of over 2 million units. MycoTile’s founder, Mtamu Kililo, explained that the panels not only lower construction expenses but also reduce carbon emissions, thanks to their biodegradable nature.

Kenyan authorities are supporting such local innovations in sustainable construction, providing MycoTile with access to machinery at the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute. The company also repurposes nearly 250 tons of agricultural waste each year, further minimizing environmental harm.

The concept was inspired by Kililo’s research in Rwanda, where he noticed that mushroom substrates had a texture similar to bricks. Building on this idea, he expanded production in Kenya, showing how fungi-based materials can help tackle Nairobi’s housing crisis while advancing eco-conscious building practices.