This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
May 18, 2020, marked a turning point for Rev. Raphael Ndung'u Kamau of the Faith Impact Outreach Church in Gatundu North. With churches locked down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he found himself struggling to make ends meet.
However, the pastor's resourcefulness and determination led him to develop a unique hand-washing machine that uses foot pedals to press both liquid soap and clean water, eliminating the need for bare hands.
Rev. Ndung'u's innovation was inspired by local eateries where clients wash their hands without having to open water taps with their hands. He assembled the hand-washing units in his workshop in Thika town, employing 15 people to help him in the venture.
Each unit, made from locally available materials, consists of a 100-litre water container that is welded with metal rods and plastics. Rev. Ndung'u makes about five units each day, as per orders, and supplies them locally.
He believes that the hand-washing units are durable and can be used in the post-Covid-19 period in eateries and public places.
“I developed this venture after seeing the demand of the products being high. It was an eye-opener and also a life-changing opportunity that I tapped into and will continue with it even post-Covid-19 period,” he said.
Rev. Ndung'u's sentiments were echoed by faithful of other churches, who said that most new converts were slowly backsliding and going back to their sinful nature due to the freedom of not attending church.
He called on the government to consider reopening churches, saying they would adhere to Health Ministry's guidelines as required.
“We shall adhere to government's directives of hand washing, wearing masks, and keeping social distance when conducting our services to keep Covid-19 at bay,” he said.
