Kenyan Boy Invents a Handwashing Machine to Fight Coronavirus [He Is Only 9 Years Old!]

Every day, the coronavirus pandemic seems to bring out the best and worst in every person.

From viral videos of kids showing off their talents, to parents joining their kids in doing crazy yet entertaining stuff, the Internet is full of discoveries.

In Kenya, a 9-year-old boy chose to bring out his wits and creativity and joined the call to stop the coronavirus spread.

Stephen Wamukota created a machine that helps handwashing become more convenient and safer.

The handwashing machine by the young boy

Stephen thought of creating the machine through some pieces of wood that his father brought home.

The machine uses a foot pedal to dispense soap. A separate pedal is used to distribute water.

The good thing about this device is that it limits the transmission of the virus in soap bottles and faucets.

Aside from soap and water, the idea may also be used in hand sanitizers.

The proud father of the young boy

When Stephen's father learned about his son's invention when he came home, he was surprised and proud of his son. He said in an interview with BBC, "When I came back home after work one day, I found that Stephen had made the machine."

Stephen's father also shared that the entire concept was from his son; all the proud father had to do was tighten the machine.

The wood pieces were supposed to be used to make their house's window frame. However, it has become something more useful for the community.

The recognition from the government

On Twitter, a lot of netizens were amazed by the invention of the 9-year-old boy.

It was not only the people of the Internet whose attention was caught by Stephen's invention.

The Kenyan president also learned about this invention. His contribution to helping the community was acknowledged through the Presidential Order of Service Uzalendo (Patriotic) Award.

Along with this recognition, Stephen's father is hopeful that his son will receive a scholarship. Stephen wants to become an engineer, something that his father wishes to support.

Handwashing and the coronavirus

According to health experts, handwashing is one of the ways on how we can stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Experts say that handwashing should be done frequently, like before eating or preparing food.