This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
On August 4, 2020, a remarkable act of kindness was witnessed in Masinga, Machakos County, as a self-taught mechanic, Philip Kivuva, gifted a motorized tricycle to a disabled local cobbler.
The cobbler, who had been operating with a manual wheelchair donated four years ago, revealed the challenges he faced in getting to and from work, relying on his wife to push him.
Moved by the cobbler's plight, Kivuva, a former boda boda rider, decided to build the motorized tricycle using locally available materials, spending Ksh80,000 on the project.
Residents watched as Kivuva taught the cobbler how to operate the tricycle, which features a sleek design resembling an ATV, with large wheels, an engine, exhaust, and handlebars.
The cobbler expressed his gratitude, stating that the tricycle would make life easier for him and his family, allowing him to take himself to and from work and even help fetch water for his wife.
However, Kivuva noted that he would be able to deliver more unique innovations for the disabled if he was supported financially, highlighting the need for leaders to identify the specific needs of disabled persons at the grassroots level.
