AWARD YEAR
2023
CATEGORY
Body
GOALS
Good Health & Well-being, Quality Education
KEYWORDS
covid-19, woodwork, Hand Hygiene, low-tech
COUNTRY
Kenya
DESIGNED BY
Stephen Wamukota
WEBSITE
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52898797
Hand-washing machine
A wooden hand-washing machine to help curb the spread of coronavirus
How does it work?
The system allows users to tip a bucket of water using a foot pedal to avoid touching surfaces to reduce infections.
Why is it needed?
Kenya has reported more than 2,000 cases of Covid-19 and 69 deaths. Stephen, the nine-year-old designer, and his family live in Mukwa village, in Bungoma country, western Kenyan, which has not reported a single case of the virus. His father, James Wamukota, however, worries that it could still come to his area.
How does it improve life?
The hand washing system can be used without touching any surfaces, therefore reducing infections. It is also fully mechanical, and thus can be used in areas where electricity is scarce.