Exclusive: Lennox Omondi, HSC. Founder & CEO of Ecobana, committed to ending period poverty9 min read

Lennox Omondi, HSC is a trailblazing young entrepreneur from Kenya, driving change through his revolutionary initiative, Ecobana, an award-winning biodegradable pad brand transforming menstrual health, environmental protection, and women’s empowerment in Kenya. In this exclusive with youth.ke, he shares the personal journey, bold innovations, and impactful mission behind one of Africa’s most promising social enterprises.

 What inspired you to start Ecobana, and how did the idea come about?
In 2019, I came across news that nearly two-thirds of girls who sat for their KCPE exams hadn’t completed them. Curious, I started digging deeper and discovered that the root cause was period poverty—the lack of access to menstrual products. That hit me hard. I found that most pads in Kenya are 91% plastic, which not only causes irritation but also contributes to environmental waste. I knew there had to be a better way.

I started researching natural alternatives and eventually discovered banana fiber—highly absorbent, safe, and sustainable. From there, I began prototyping pads that were biodegradable and plastic-free, with the goal of offering an affordable and eco-conscious solution to a problem affecting millions.

Can you share your journey (an overview) as a young entrepreneur in the menstrual health space?
Being a male in this space hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. From researching and understanding the problem, to creating prototypes, to launching a product that could make a real difference—it’s been a journey of constant learning and growth. I’ve had to break cultural taboos and challenge societal expectations, but every step has brought me closer to the goal of creating lasting impact.

What challenges did you face in launching Ecobana, and how did you overcome them?
In the beginning, I was mocked—people called me “Pad Man,” and that stung. Financing was also a huge hurdle, especially for machinery. Regulatory processes weren’t straightforward either. But I didn’t stop. I partnered with NGOs to fast-track compliance, built cooperatives with banana farmers to secure materials, and offered free trials to gain consumer trust. Grants helped reduce production costs, and every obstacle became an opportunity to innovate.

How do Ecobana’s biodegradable pads compare to conventional sanitary pads in terms of cost, quality, and sustainability?
Our pads are slightly more expensive at first—around 15–20% higher than mid-range plastic ones—but as we scale, the cost continues to drop. In terms of absorbency, comfort, and safety, we match or exceed what’s already in the market. The biggest difference is in sustainability: our pads decompose in 3–6 months, compared to over 500 years for plastic-based products. They’re made using solar power, from banana stem waste, without any harmful chemicals.

What impact has Ecobana had so far in combating period poverty?
We’ve distributed over 500,000 pads across Kenya, mainly to schoolgirls and low-income women, reducing absenteeism by 63% in pilot schools. We’ve prevented over 8 tons of plastic waste annually and reduced infections by 40% based on user surveys. We’ve also created jobs for more than 300 women and trained over 5,000 girls on menstrual health. But we’ve only scratched the surface—right now, we’re meeting just 15% of demand. We’re working to scale that up tenfold.

How does Ecobana contribute to environmental conservation?
Our work directly reduces plastic pollution. By using banana fiber and solar-powered production, we give agricultural waste a second life and reduce our carbon footprint. Every 10,000 users help prevent about 2.4 million plastic bags from ending up in landfills over five years. Through education, we’re also shifting mindsets—encouraging eco-conscious period care and a circular economy model rooted in sustainability.

Are there specific communities or regions in Kenya where you have focused your distribution efforts?
We’ve focused primarily on Nairobi and Western Kenya, where we’ve built strong partnerships with schools and women’s groups. But our reach goes beyond that—we deliver across all 47 counties in Kenya. We’ve also started shipping internationally to promote sustainable menstrual care beyond our borders.

What materials are used in making your biodegradable sanitary pads?
The core is made from banana fiber, sourced from upcycled stems. For leak protection, we use a cornstarch-based bioplastic backing, and the top layer is soft, organic cotton. Even the adhesives are plant-based. Our packaging is compostable, and everything we use is tested to meet both local and international compatibility standards. Every component was chosen with the environment—and people—in mind.

How do you ensure affordability while maintaining quality?
Affordability comes from smart, local sourcing. We work directly with banana farmers and manufacture using solar power in Kisii, which cuts costs. Women’s cooperatives help with community-based production, keeping overhead low. We’ve also tapped into carbon credits and partnerships with government and private entities to subsidize prices. Right now, our pads are just 5–10% above conventional options, and as we scale, prices will continue to drop—without compromising quality.

What role do partnerships and collaborations play in scaling Ecobana?
They’re everything. Collaborations with farmers help secure materials and create jobs. NGOs and governments give us access to distribution networks. Corporate CSR programs allow us to reach underserved users while keeping our costs manageable. These partnerships multiply our impact, helping us grow faster and reach further.

Have you faced any resistance or misconceptions about your product? If so, how do you address them?
Absolutely. As a man working in menstrual health, I’ve encountered skepticism. Some questioned my intentions, others doubted the product. But I leaned into transparency. We offered free trials, listened to feedback, and let the results speak for themselves. When people see that our pads work—and make a difference—the doubt fades.

What strategies are you using to ensure that Ecobana remains financially sustainable?
We’ve diversified our revenue—selling pads directly, securing bulk orders from NGOs and the government, and tapping into CSR funds. We also leverage carbon credits for our plastic reduction efforts. Lean operations, local sourcing, and solar power help us cut costs, while reinvesting into our cooperatives and expanding into new product lines keeps the business growing sustainably.

How do you envision Ecobana evolving in the next five years?
I see Ecobana becoming a full circular economy hub. We’re expanding into other hygiene products like pantyliners, postpartum pads, and biodegradable diapers. Beyond menstrual care, I want to use banana fiber in things like carpets, table mats, and insulation materials. We’re setting up automated, solar-powered factories in three counties and plan to serve over 500,000 customers annually. I believe banana fiber can become a mainstream sustainable material—across industries.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to create social impact businesses like Ecobana?
Start with a real problem you care about—not just a clever idea. Use local resources and build strong partnerships. Test small, fail quickly, and pivot when needed. Track your social impact as seriously as your profits. Be stubborn about your mission but flexible with your methods. And remember: some of your work will bear fruit long after you’re gone—and that’s okay.

What drives you to keep going despite the challenges you face as a young entrepreneur?
Every time I see a girl go to school confidently during her period, or a farmer earn more because we buy their banana stems, I’m reminded why I started. This is bigger than me. It’s proof that Kenya can solve its own problems through innovation and compassion. That thought alone keeps me moving—even when it’s tough.

How has your personal background influenced your passion for social entrepreneurship?
I grew up in a family of clothiers. My parents taught me that business should serve people. I watched them sew dignity into every garment. That inspired me to use local, affordable materials like banana fiber and to never cut corners on quality. Their ethos shaped everything I’ve built—purposeful, practical, people-first innovation.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your journey with Ecobana so far?
It was the day our first 24 full-time staff—farmers, seamstresses, and sales agents—stood together, all part of one mission. Many had been unemployed or underpaid before. Now they were building something meaningful. We’ve created jobs, distributed over 500,000 pads, and reduced school absenteeism by 63%. Awards and global recognition are great, but nothing beats a handwritten letter from a girl who no longer misses school—or a farmer who now calls banana stems “green gold.”

Who are your biggest role models or inspirations in business and social impact?
Tony Elumelu is a huge inspiration—his belief that Africans must solve African problems resonates deeply. Like his foundation, we invest in grassroots solutions and local talent. My team also inspires me every day—especially when I see someone grow from banana farmer to factory supervisor. That’s the kind of capitalism I want to build.

Outside of Ecobana, what are some of your other passions or interests?
I’m passionate about regenerative agriculture—working with smallholder farmers to restore soil health. I lead the clean energy sector at Fast Forward 2030, pushing for mini-grid and solar adoption in rural areas. Even in my free time, I’m reading about carbon markets or testing compost setups. Sustainability isn’t just work for me—it’s how I live and think.