London-based trader donates aids to physically-challenged persons

Ms Lydiah Nyawira, 70, is assisted to ride a tricycle wheelchair by family members outside Temple Road Hall in Nyeri Town on July 24, 2015. Over 100 physically challenged persons benefited from wheelchairs and other walking aids donated by Mr Vraj Pankhania, a Kenyan businessman based in London. PHOTO: DENNIS MBAE/STANDARD

A London-based Kenyan businessman has donated walking aids to more than 100 physically challenged persons.

Vraj Pankhania also donated foodstuff to 20 children homes within Nyeri County and gave eco-friendly jikos and solar lamps to other individuals.

The items that included wheelchairs, crutches, and walking sticks were handed over to beneficiaries at Temple Road Hall in Nyeri town over the weekend.

"Since my legs developed joint problems in 2007, mobility has been a pipe-dream. This tricycle wheelchair I have been given will now ease my movement and make me less dependent on others," said 70-year-old Lydiah Nyawira, one of the beneficiaries.

PROPERTY DEVELOPER

Allamano Special School head teacher Sister Jane Gacha described Pankhania's act as unparalleled, saying it would go a long way in meeting the needs of the mentally challenged children in her school at Wamagana in Tetu Sub-county.

Compassion for Humanity Project Chairman Richard Mariga, who was instrumental in locating and identifying 30 of the beneficiaries, pledged to ensure as many physically-challenged persons as possible got the aids necessary to lead normal lives and even earn a living.

"Some of the people we have assisted in the past are successfully conducting businesses using tricycle wheelchairs. This time, we have gone out of our way to bring on board persons from Laikipia, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, and Kiambu counties," said Mr Mariga.

Monicah Nyambura, the patron of persons with disabilities in Othaya and whose son got a wheelchair, said she would sensitise her group members to make good use of the special aids in a bid to uplift their livelihoods.

Mr Pankhania, through the Lions Club in Nyeri, promised even more help in future.

The property developer attributed his generous spirit to God's blessings.

"The Almighty has given me so much. The least I can do is to return it to Him by assisting my brothers and sisters who are in need," Pankhania said.

He was accompanied by his wife and family, friends and the Lion Club's Vice President Rajan Shah.