Handwashing machine lands 9-year-old boy a State commendation

 A nine-year-old boy from Bungoma County received a State commendation on Monday, June 1, after building a handwashing machine to help fight COVID-19.

Stephen Wamukota was among the 68 people who received the presidential order of service, The Uzalendo Award, during Madaraka Day.

President Uhuru said the award is meant to recognize civilians who have done outstanding work in helping the country fight the pandemic.

Washing hands with soap and water is one of the ways to curb the spread of COVID-19. Nine-year-old Wamukota stood out after building a handwashing machine that could be used without touching it.

During an interview with Nation, Wamukota says he came about the idea after he saw people struggle to wash their hands with fear of being exposed to COVID-19.

Wamukota says he used Sh3,000 to build his machine, with the help of his father, who helped him complete it.

“I had the idea of developing this machine, and after I started, I ran out of materials and approached my father, who assisted me complete it,” says Wamukota.

On Friday, May 15, Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and Senator Cleophas Malala said they would help nature Wamukota’s talent.

The nine-year-old from Mukwa Primary School, hit the headlines in April after his home-made handwashing machine went viral.

As the country continues to battle the pandemic, Kenya, as of Monday, May 1, had recorded a total of 2,021 COVID-19 cases and 69 deaths.