We all have to agree that water is life and the driving force of all nature. North-Eastern and Eastern parts of Kenya are known to be the driest areas in the country.
Women are forced to walk long distances with jerricans of water on their backs, their children strapped to their backs. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in many women developing health complications.
41 per cent of Kenyans are unable to access running water and are forced to walk miles in search of the precious commodity. Then comes Herman Bigham, an innovator born and raised in America who relocated to Kenya just a year ago.
Bigham also known as Muli watched women suffer in search for water.
When he could not stand it, he came up with a solution. Tosheka-rolling spring is a simple machine which eases transportation of water.
The machine, which is capable of holding multiple cans at time, has rolling springs allowing water to turn inside the container hence building up rotating force and momentum that propels the container easily across any terrain with minimal effort.
It comes in two designs for round and rectangle cans. “It was heartbreaking when I met women in Makueni struggling with loads of jerricans on their heads while holding their babies,” he said.
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“When mothers walk for long in search of water, children are also denied time for school,” says Bigham who uses marine wood, recycled tires and screws to make Tosheka-rolling spring.
He explains that his machine does not need any servicing and can be used for 15 years. A single machine which is capable of holding one container goes for Sh6,000s while the multiple Tosheka-rolling which can hold at least three jerricans costs Sh16,000.
So far he has employed 25 people. “I’m here to empower young men who are talented but lack support. What they need is someone who can guide them and make their dreams come true and that’s what I am focusing on,” he says.
This is not Muli’s first invention. Among others, he is the originator of Tosheka power pack, a device the size of a cell phone that can charge six devices at once, jump-start a vehicle and refill tyre pressure.
Bigham’s greatest challenge is poor quality of raw materials which forces him to import wood, screen mesh and screws. He also adds that there is minimal support from government yet his projects improve the lives of Kenyans. Do you feel the government should assist Bigham in his noble cause?