Help me start a business - Jackline Mwende

It has been two months since Jackline Mwende who lost her limbs landed at JKIA from Seoul, Korea for prosthetic surgery.

Mwende was attacked on the night of July 21, 2016 an incident that left her with no hands and serious injuries on her head and face.

When The Nairobian paid her a visit at her parents’ home the place was quiet. Mwende and her sister were at the Shamba.

Mwende’s father Samuel Munyoki gave us a warm welcome to his home at Masii, Machakos County where we enjoyed free-flowing wind which swirled, releasing countless flowers from the tree which we had sat under.

Mwende though camera shy, told The Nairobian that she could do with some financial help since her newly acquired hands did not allow her to do much.

“I would be much happier if I found someone to set up a business for me, to help me earn a living,” she said.

From the outward appearance, one can tell that Mwende has fully recovered and can do simple chores but she claims that is still a challenge.

“I was in the Shamba but I couldn’t cultivate because my hands cannot perform any heavy tasks,” Mwende said adding that, her fingers are not stretching and this prevents her working.

“I cannot cook because I’m not allowed to expose my hands to heat, washing myself is also an issue because I am not supposed to touch water with my prosthetic hands. I must also have someone with me when using the washrooms,” Mwende said.

Speaking to her father, Munyoki said that her daughter was still facing challenges since she could not do any work at home after she underwent prosthetic surgery.

“She just stays at home,” he said.

Munyoki explained that Mwende’s hands use rechargeable batteries in order to make them work through the motors installed inside.

“Thanks to LG electronics because they brought the batteries charger and a generator for charging but most of the times I charge the batteries at Masii town where there is electricity,” he said arguing that those batteries consume a lot of fuel and that is why he prefers taking them for charging in the nearest town.

Prosthetic limbs are incredibly valuable and can help restore some capabilities lost with the amputated limb. They can rival the functionality provided by biological limbs, the capabilities they do provide can be significant.

While Mwende is happy with everyone who supported her, she has complaints against Machakos County government for giving her empty promises.

“The county government promised me additional stipend money and a househelp at a cost of Sh10,000 every month but since they visited my father’s home, I have not received any money from them,” she said adding that her account has no money.