This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
William Ruto Supports Nairobi Welders with Innovative Benches ¶
Deputy President William Ruto recently met with Nairobi welders Kelvin Odari and Stephen Odhiambo, who have been making waves with their innovative convertible benches.
The benches, which can be stretched to include a table and an extra bench, and folded back to a single bench mode with a back-rest, caught the attention of Ruto, who was impressed by their design.
According to the welders, they had adopted the idea to assemble the seat from the internet this year and people love them. Since the video was shared, they have received a number of offers to design them.
One bench costs KSh 22,000, but the welders sold five of them to Ruto at a total cost of KSh 150,000. Ruto made a down payment of KSh 100,000 and promised to clear the balance once the furniture were delivered.
Among their regular clients is Machakos governor Alfred Mutua, who gets most of his furniture from their workshop.
At a ceremony alongside Lang'ata MP Nixon Korir, Ruto met leaders of groups involved in enterprises including rearing rabbits, sewing, shoe shining, boda boda and matatu operators.
He purchased the benches as part of his efforts to support the informal sector and the youth, and to empower them financially.
"I was privileged to meet and interact with Stephen Odhiambo and Dennis Otieno, two enterprising Kenyans with innovative ideas on garden furniture," Ruto said.
"I was thrilled by their cutting-edge skills and efforts...I pray to the son of the carpenter from Nazareth to bless the work of their hands," the DP added.
