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In a world where architecture often mirrors culture, identity, and innovation, few individuals exemplify the fusion of cross-continental creativity like Dr. Dick Olango.
A Kenyan by birth and a renowned architect in Japan by profession, Olango’s journey is one of resilience, vision, and a relentless drive to bridge worlds—literally and figuratively.
For over 20 years, Dr. Olango has not only earned respect in Japan’s competitive architectural landscape but has also become a symbol of how global education and cultural exchange can birth transformative ideas.
Now, he’s turning his attention back to Kenya, hoping to spark a new wave of innovation in Africa’s construction industry.
From Nairobi to Nippon: A Dream Takes Flight
Born and raised in Kenya, Olango grew up surrounded by blueprints, measurements, and site visits. His father, a surveyor and engineer, worked closely with Japanese experts through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
It was in these early moments that young Dick began to notice something different about the Japanese engineers—their discipline, commitment to detail, and technologically advanced approach.
These impressions lingered long after, eventually motivating him to pursue architecture.
In the late 1990s, his ambition was rewarded when he secured the highly competitive Mombusho Scholarship from the Japanese government.
At just 19, having completed his secondary education at the prestigious Starehe Boys Centre, Olango boarded a plane bound for Japan.
The transition was daunting.
“I thought I could manage speaking English,” he remembers with a laugh. “But in Japan, to live and study, you must speak Japanese.”
He spent his first year immersed in rigorous language training before enrolling in one of Japan’s leading universities for architecture.
It was an experience that not only sharpened his academic skills but also gave him a deep appreciation for Japanese traditions, design philosophies, and cultural values.
Making a Mark in Japan’s Architecture Industry
Following his graduation, Olango joined several top architectural and construction firms, gradually earning recognition for his innovative mindset and cross-cultural perspective. His unique background—combining Kenyan pragmatism with Japanese precision—allowed him to approach projects with a rare lens, often bridging gaps between local context and global standards.
Eventually, he co-founded OSA—Olango and Sakata Associates—with Japanese architect Sakata Izumi. Headquartered in both Tokyo and Nairobi, OSA is more than just an architectural firm; it’s a cultural and technological bridge between Japan and Africa.
The firm champions the idea of technology transfer—what Olango calls “bringing seeds instead of fruits.”
“Instead of importing a finished product like a toilet or television,” he explains, “we bring the core idea—the seed—so it can be developed and produced locally in Kenya. This builds capacity, reduces environmental impact, and creates jobs.”
Reimagining Kenya’s Construction Sector
Olango’s passion for sustainable development has led him to spearhead groundbreaking research in Kenya, particularly in utilizing black cotton soil—a type of clay typically discarded in construction due to its instability.
Partnering with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), OSA has developed a method of mixing black cotton soil with maram, lime, and cement to produce durable construction blocks.
These blocks are being tested for walling, pavements, and even foundational use. A pilot project is already in the pipeline.
This innovation holds the potential to revolutionize Kenya’s housing and infrastructure sector by offering a low-cost, eco-friendly building alternative made from locally available materials.
“We want this to be open-source,” says Sakata. “It’s not just about profit—it’s about academic value, social development, and empowering local communities.”
A Life of Dual Purpose
Despite having built a life in Japan—he is married to a Japanese woman and is a father of three—Olango remains deeply committed to his Kenyan roots.
He actively mentors young Kenyan students, encouraging them to apply for international scholarships and urging them to use global exposure not as an escape, but as a means to give back.
His story is a testament to the power of education, cross-cultural collaboration, and innovation with a purpose. As countries like Kenya seek sustainable, scalable solutions for urbanization and housing, Olango stands out as a pioneer with the expertise and empathy to lead change.
“Japan taught me discipline, structure, and efficiency,” he reflects. “But Kenya gave me passion, resilience, and identity. I’m a product of both, and I want to use that to make a difference.”
Looking Ahead
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, urban expansion, and economic inequality, architects like Dr. Dick Olango are proving that the most powerful designs are not just those made of steel and concrete, but those grounded in vision, inclusivity, and global cooperation.
In bridging Japan and Kenya, tradition and technology, Olango is not just transforming skylines—he’s inspiring a generation.
To contact OSA – d.olango@osa-rainbow.com
WhatsApp +81 90 6490 6309
