Beyond Duty: Meet Bomet Teacher Giving People With Disability Mobility Devices

• The first wheelchair that Mwalimu Daniel Mutai gave out was in 2007, when he was still a student on teaching practice
• From there, Mutai knew that he had been called for the noble work and for the last 15 years, he has worked tirelessly to see people with disabilities get mobility devices
• So far, he has facilitated KSh 8 million worth of mobility devices such as wheelchairs and crutches which have improved people's quality of lives

Popular philanthropist Mwalimu Daniel Mutai's first wheelchair donation to a person with disability was in 2007; then, Mutai was a college student.

Helping the vulnerable is Mutai's calling

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke in an interview, Mutai said that he has a calling to take care of the vulnerable people in society, especially people living with disabilities.

"It's has been my passion since I was young, I did much when I was in college especially during teaching practice in 2007," he shared.

"I like transforming lives through empowering them with knowledge, skills and attitudes," said Mutai

Over the last nine years, Mwalimu Mutai has seen it all, from the abandoned elderly people who can't walk but are left to fend for themselves to the very young children who can't go to school or play with other kids because they are living with certain disabilities.

Persons with Disabilities Act

According to the Persons with Disabilities Act, PWDs are entitled to a barrier-free and disability-friendly environment to enable them to have access to buildings, roads and other social amenities.

Additionally, PWDs are also supposed to have assistive devices and other equipment to promote their mobility.

Although that is the laid-down law, things are very different on the ground; there are people in rural areas who have never owned an assistive device in their life, and then there are others who have been using very old ones for many years.

Some people do not have an idea of what it means to have an electric wheelchair or any other modern device.

Mutai also helps women with sanitary pads

That is where Mutai comes in, and so far, he has supported many with assistive devices such as crutches, white canes, wheelchairs, walker frames, and walking sticks.

"In some cases, people can't afford sanitary pads and diapers for themselves or their children so I also help them," said a pensive Mutai.

Mutai's initiatives do not end there; he has also fundraised to educate kids from poor backgrounds.

"In education, many students have completed and many are ongoing in various high schools, colleges through my initiatives," he said.

Mutai does not work alone; he works with various people organisations, and so far, he has helped to provide assistive devices worth KSh 8 million.

Challenges Mutai faces when helping people

Although it is a calling that Mutaki does from the bottom of his heart, he faces a lot of challenges. For instance, there are logistics issues of carrying equipment such as wheelchairs to far-flung places.

Then there is the issue of cost that can really be draining and sometimes he lacks the finances to help people who are in need.

"I am calling for the continuous support from well-wishers, organisations and government agencies," he said.

Recognition from Bomet, Narok counties

Due to his exemplary work, Mutai has been recognised by the county governments of Bomet and Narok.

Bomet county hailed him as a renowned teacher and philanthropist concerned about humanity.

"His contributions to the community is seen and witnessed by many. Bravo Mutai for your work, may God bless you," read a message from Bomet county.

"Teacher and philanthropist of the year. Selfless service; God bless you Mwalimu Mutai from Kamorir Primary School for your big heart towards the community and particularly to the PWDs," read another message from Narok county.

The Kenya National Union Teachers (KNUT) also celebrated Mutai as a teacher who has gone beyond the call of duty.

"He has distributed assistive devices worth at least KSh 8 million to the vulnerable in society. He is the difference between a difficult life and an easier one for those living with various disabilities in Bomet and other counties around," said KNUT.

Mutai is now seeking support to get assistive devices such as crutches, white canes, wheelchairs, walker frames, walking sticks and sanitary pads/diapers.

Narok boy walks on his knees to school

In another story, a determined Isaac Kariuki was shown going to school, using his knees to walk, and he never complained about it.

Mutai advocated for early medical intervention and financial assistance to begin Kariuki's treatment, enabling corrective measures for his condition.

TUKO.co.ke learnt that Kariuki was denied a supportive device due to age, making financial aid crucial for the costly treatment and giving hope for a better future.