This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Thika's Biafra estate, once notorious for night muggings and bhang trafficking, is slowly changing its image thanks to a group of reformed youths who have ventured into the car wash business.
Established by 28 members of the Thingira Team, a group of former criminals and drug addicts, the car wash has become a beacon of hope for the community.
Under the leadership of area MP Patrick Wainaina, the group has been able to secure a busy car wash yard, uniforms, and sufficient water to run their activities.
According to their chairman, John Kamau Muchiri, most of the members are family men, and the car wash has helped them provide for their families.
Initially, it was not easy, as the temptation to return to their wayward ways was high due to low income. However, with the support of their MP and the community, they have been able to overcome these challenges.
“Each member makes about Ksh 1, 500 daily. Residents have slowly come to trust us with their vehicles as many felt unsafe dealing with the group,” said John Kamau Muchiri.
The group has also been able to secure uniforms to distinguish themselves from thugs who have been terrorising area residents around their yard.
One of the youths undergoing the reformation programme, Peter Githinji, confessed that he was a drug addict who was left out in the KAA SOBER programme engineered by Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu.
Julius Mucheru, a member of the group, said the car wash has helped them to start a new life, thus creating employment for their members.
Thika MP Patrick Wainaina advised them to desist from criminal activities and seek the government’s Biashara Empowerment Fund to grow the group.
Published on July 19, 2019.
