1. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The ChildFund intends to establish a small-scale production line for the conversion of post-consumer plastic waste into paving blocks (commonly known as cabros) for use in the construction sector in Kenya. The initiative aims to:
- Reduce plastic waste sent to landfills and the natural environment
- Promote circular economy solutions within the construction industry
- Produce durable, cost-effective, and climate-resilient paving blocks
- Support local employment and skills development
To achieve this, the ChildFund seeks to competitively procure a complete, modular plastic brick production line from qualified and experienced machine fabricators/suppliers based in Kenya.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE TOR
The objective of this TOR is to invite technically compliant and financially competitive quotations for the design, manufacture/supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and initial training of a plastic waste to paving blocks production line with the following core machines:
- Plastic crushing/shredding machine
- Plastic melting/extrusion machine
- Fume Extraction / Ventilation System at Extruder
- Hydraulic paving block press with moulds
- Cooling Bath / Water Cooling Cage
The production line shall be suitable for small-to-medium scale operations and capable of continuous daily production under Kenyan operating conditions.
3. SCOPE OF SUPPLY AND SERVICES
The supplier shall be responsible for:
- Detailed machine design and fabrication/supply
- Supply of all primary machines and auxiliary systems
- Installation and alignment of machines on site
- Testing and commissioning using locally available plastic waste
- Provision of moulds for standard paving blocks (cabros)
- Operator training and basic maintenance training
- Provision of operation & maintenance manuals
- After-sales technical support and warranty
4. CORE MACHINES AND SYSTEMS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)
The production line shall, at a minimum, comprise the following core machines and systems, all of which shall be supplied, installed, tested, and commissioned as part of the base scope.
4.1 Plastic Crushing / Shredding Machine
Function: Size reduction of post-consumer plastic waste prior to melting.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
- Throughput capacity: ≥ 150 kg/hour
- Suitable plastics: LDPE, HDPE, PS,PPE,PET,PVC (supplier to specify exclusions)
- Feed system: Manual or hopper-fed
- Output size: ≤ 10–15 mm flakes
- Motor power: 10–20 kW (three-phase)
- Blades: Hardened alloy steel, replaceable
- Shaft type: Single or twin shaft (to be specified)
- Construction: Heavy-duty mild steel frame
- Safety: Emergency stop, blade enclosure, belt/gear guards
Deliverables: – Complete shredder unit – Electrical starter/control panel – Basic spare blades (recommended)
4.2 Plastic Melting / Extruder Machine
Function: Heating, melting, and conveying shredded plastic to the moulding stage.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
- Throughput capacity: ≥ 90 kg/hour
- Heating method: Electrical band heaters or electromagnetic heating
- Temperature control range: 180–350°C (adjustable)
- Screw diameter: ≥ 120 mm (or equivalent capacity)
- Screw material: Heat-treated alloy steel
- Barrel material: High-temperature resistant steel
- Motor power: 15–25 kW
- Control system: Digital temperature controllers
- Insulation: Thermal insulation to reduce heat loss
Deliverables: – Complete extruder/melting unit – Heating system and control cabinet – Start/stop control panel
4.3 Hydraulic Paving Block Press Machine
Function: Compression moulding of molten plastic into paving blocks.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
- Output: Minimum 4 paving blocks per press cycle
- Press type: Hydraulic
- Pressing force: ≥ 30–50 tons (supplier to specify)
- Cycle time: ≤ 5 minutes per press (including loading/unloading)
- Hydraulic motor power: 5–10 kW
- Control: Manual or semi-automatic
Mould Requirements:
- Mould material: Hardened steel or cast steel
- Standard cabro sizes compatible with Kenyan market (e.g. 200×100×60 mm or equivalent)
- Interlocking paving block profile
- Replaceable mould inserts preferred
4.4 Cooling Bath / Water Cooling Cage
Function: Rapid cooling and dimensional stabilization of hot paving blocks immediately after demoulding.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
- Internal dimensions: Approx. 2.0 m (L) × 1.5 m (W)
- Depth: ≥ 0.6 m
- Construction: Welded mild steel cage or tank
- Plate thickness: ≥ 3 mm mild steel
- Internal finish: Smooth, corrosion-resistant (painted or coated)
- Water capacity: Sufficient to fully submerge cabros
- Drainage: Bottom drain valve or outlet for water replacement
- Handling: Open-top design for manual loading/unloading
- Structural integrity: No deformation under thermal shock
4.5 Fume Extraction / Ventilation System at Extruder
Function: Removal of fumes and heat generated during plastic melting to ensure operator safety and regulatory compliance.
Minimum Technical Requirements:
- Localized extraction hood positioned above or near extruder barrel
- Ducting: Heat-resistant steel or flexible industrial ducting
- Extraction fan: Industrial-grade, sized for continuous operation
- Discharge: Safe exhaust to external environment
- Controls: Integrated on/off control with extruder operation
- Noise and vibration: Within acceptable industrial limits
5. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
- Machines must be capable of operating 8 hours/day continuously
- Designed for tropical conditions (dust, heat, power fluctuations)
- Easy maintenance with locally available consumables
- Robust construction suitable for workshop/yard environments
6. INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING
The supplier shall:
- Install and align all machines on prepared concrete floors
- Conduct dry and loaded test runs
- Demonstrate production of acceptable quality paving blocks
- Hand over a fully functional production line
7. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING
Minimum training requirements:
- Machine operation (minimum 3 operators)
- Routine maintenance and troubleshooting
- Safety procedures
Training duration: Minimum 3–5 working days
8. WARRANTY AND AFTER-SALES SUPPORT
- Minimum warranty: 12 months on machines (excluding wear parts)
- Availability of local technical support
- Lead time for spare parts not exceeding 14 days
Suppliers shall clearly state: – Warranty coverage – Exclusions – Post-warranty support options
9. SUPPLIER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Suppliers must provide:
- Company profile and registration documents
- Evidence of similar machines supplied or fabricated
- At least two references of comparable installations
- Technical brochures/drawings of proposed machines
10. QUOTATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Quotations shall include:
- Itemized cost breakdown per machine
- Cost of installation and commissioning
- Delivery timeline
- Payment terms
- Validity period of quotation
Prices shall be quoted in KES, exclusive and inclusive of taxes clearly indicated.
11. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Technical compliance with specifications (mandatory)
- Proven experience and references
- After-sales support and warranty
- Cost competitiveness
- Delivery and installation timeline
12. EXPECTED DELIVERY TIMELINE
- Fabrication/supply: 4–8 weeks from contract award
- Installation & commissioning: 1–2 weeks
13. RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT
The Client reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation and is not bound to accept the lowest-priced offer. Due to the high volume of applications received, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
How to apply
Bidders shall scan and submit the bid in soft to [email protected] on or before Friday 30th of January 2026.
