The Kabare Ward MCA, Patrick Chomba on Monday engaged a section of his electorate in celebrating Madaraka Day, without necessarily sitting indoors.
Chomba reported at 7.00 am to his ward office at Ithareini market Ward office, whose one room he has converted into a tailoring room for making face masks.
He oversaw the seven workers he has hired for the purpose producing the masks. The workers hit the 10,000 pieces mark by yesterday morning in the project started early last month.
Chomba distributed the masks to area residents for free and urged them to make sure they remained protected from the deadly corona virus.
“This disease is real hence my initiative to provide you with the protective gear as well as soap. I urge you to strictly observe all the guidelines the government has issued through the Ministry of Health,’’he said.
Besides mass production of the masks, the venture has created job opportunities, “Out of the seven employees, I have included two who are physically challenged since they should also benefit from this venture like their able colleagues,” Chomba said at the venue.
He said although the county government was undertaking a similar venture, he had decided to complement its efforts in ensuring all area residents were supplied with the masks.
“My ward alone has a population of about 40,000 residents who all require these masks and to supply each of them is an uphill task that requires funds and goodwill,” he said.
He said through his foundation, ‘Friends of Kabare, he had managed to produce the 10,000 masks leaving a deficit of 30,000 which he has called on well-wishers to support.
A beneficiary of the project Agnes Wawira who suffers from physical disability said it was such a blessing for the MCA to consider her for the job.
“This opportunity is a game changer in my life and I must sincerely commend our MCA for the offer. I assure him of my total commitment to the course,’’she said.
Another employee, Sabina Muchiri said her work entailed cutting the cloth into shape while her six colleagues were engaged in the actual tailoring.
She said on average they are able to make 1,000 masks daily if all factors are constant.
During the celebrations the MCA also distributed Hass Avocado seedlings to those present and urged them to ensure they planted them within the cause of the day as a way of marking the day.
By Irungu Mwangi
