Philip Kivuva, a mechanic based in Masinga, Machakos County went viral on Tuesday, August 4, as residents marveled at the motorized tricycle he gifted a disabled local cobbler.
The cobbler, well known to Kivuva, had been operating with a manual wheelchair donated to him four years ago. He revealed the challenge he used to face getting to and from work as he needed his wife to push him.
A boda boda rider turned self-taught mechanic, Kivuva decided to take it upon himself to build the blue motorized tricycle for the man.
He disclosed that he spent Ksh80,000 building the highly improvised motorized tricycle, explaining that the cost would have been much higher if he worked with original parts.
The cobbler couldn't hide his appreciation as he received the tricycle, stating how it would make life easier for him and his family.
"This is someone God has sent to help us as disabled people. He did this himself, to help me get around without any difficulty.
"Now, I will be able to take myself (to and from work). Even at home, I can help fetch water for my wife which I couldn't do with the wheelchair".
Residents watched as Kivuva taught the man how to operate the tricycle at a local market. It features a sleek design resembling an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), with large wheels, an engine, exhaust, handle-bars.
Kivuva noted that he used locally available materials to build the motorized tricycle.
He revealed that he first encountered the cobbler during his days as a boda boda rider at the local market where the cobbler works.
"I had a love for disabled persons and I saw the challenges they were facing. You have seen the man who was in my mind. When I started in boda boda, I was in this market so I realized the challenges he was facing," he explained.
The cobbler revealed that numerous efforts to secure assistance from government agencies at national and county governments levels had been futile, causing him to give up and focus on his business and family.
Kivuva noted that he would be able to deliver more unique innovations for the disabled if he was supported financially.
"I only need financial assistance. We can buy things and get others locally, we have the knowledge," he stated.
He advised leaders to identify the specific needs of disabled persons at the grassroots level, observing that many had lost hope of receiving any assistance from the government.
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