Juja-based welder Meshack Otieno on Thursday July 16, responded to a competing business landing a Ksh32.5 million tender to supply hospital beds to the government.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, the welder who's hospital bed designs went viral on social media stated that he haboured no ill feelings towards the two youth in Githurai who bagged the order of 500 hospital beds.
"I am happy for the other person, and I'm praying for my time to come. This was his time but mine will also come. We couldn't all have been chosen for that and as long as youth are benefitting that is good," he told this writer over the phone.
The welder confided that contrary to what was said online, his business had not picked up despite all the hype on social media.
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He noted that there were many enquiries from the viral post but not many resulted in actual orders.
"Business did not peak as expected as the orders have not increased. My workmen are still seated idle because there is no work," he dislcosed.
He however maintained that his products were of high quality as he had received good reviews from previous clients.
On Wednesday July 15, the President's Delivery Unit (PDU) ordered 500 jua kali beds from two youths in Githurai, Mungai Gathogo (26) and Joseph Muhinja (35) who had previously been making metallic gates, window grills and doors.
"The beds that are made from locally sourced material from their workshop in Githunguri, Kiambu county, will be subjected to standardization tests by KEBS," a statement from PDU read in part.
However, a section of Kenyans online pointed out that the order had discriminated against Otieno's team despite trending as well.
Some suggested that, the Juja-based welder should also be given a share of the orders.
"Consider buying from this man too. He should also get a share of the 500 beds ordered by President Uhuru," a user Thomas Sankara observed.
PDU Secretary Andrew Wakahiu and Kiambu County Commissioner Wilson Wanyanga went to Githunguri to assess the beds noting that they would be a vital aid to public hospitals that are reeling under pressure of COVID-19 related hospital admissions.
Wakahiu added that the Government, through the Numerical Machining Complex, would also help the young entrepreneurs and other innovators with technical skills and equipment to hasten production and improve quality.
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