When Mubarak Kiptoo Salim, who hails from Kitale in Trans Nzoia county, was involved in a road accident in 1992 in Eldoret, the worst of his fears came to pass.
He was hit by a trailer while driving a vehicle, and although he survived, his leg would not.
He had to be amputated and life has never been the same since.
He hoped from one health facility to another looking to have at least a prosthetic leg that would restore his movement as much to his pre-accident days as possible.
However, a combination of the expensive artificial leg and his meagre earnings meant he would always settle for a cheap one that would last only a few months before it developed something.
So, when a friend on Saturday sent him a message on WhatsApp about a camp in Mombasa that would provide him with a prosthetic leg free of charge, he grabbed the opportunity.
He quickly got into a bus and travelled overnight to Mombasa where he arrived on Sunday morning.
He went straight to the Narayan artificial limb measurement camp along Haile Selassie Avenue, opposite the Royal Court Hotel, where he had his leg assessed and measurements taken.
In two or three months, he would receive his new prosthetic leg, according to Rajesh Jambpo.
Jambo is one of the volunteers at the camp, sponsored by Mombasa Cement Limited.
Kiptoo said:
“I thank them. They have taken my measurements and I am waiting for my prosthetic leg soon.”
“I ask them to open branches in other places like Eldoret or Kitale so that they can get closer to disabled people across the country,” he said.
Kiptoo is one of the over 350 physically challenged people from across the country who got prosthetic limbs in Mombasa free of charge on Sunday and Monday.
Some 500 more have applied to have prosthetic limbs fitted on them.
Seven doctors and prosthetic specialists were flown in from India for the two-day camp.
Jambo said they will be conducting such camps across the country every four months.
“We will be covering all over Kenya. So we are inviting anybody from anywhere in Kenya to apply and get this service,” he said.
He said those who need the service, can simply walk into the Mombasa Cement offices along Haile Selassie Avenue, opposite the Royal Court Hotel.
“You will be registered. We will measure your leg or arm. After three or four months, once the goods arrive, we will call you back, make sure they fit in properly and you enjoy your life,” Jambo said.
Asha Mwajanja, from Ukunda, Kwale county, whose son Saad Mwinyi was born with a defective leg, had him receive a prosthetic leg.
“I am happy that he will now walk and play like the rest of his peers,” Mwajanja said.
She said she has gone to different places for help but the artificial legs have been only short lasting.
Harrison Chishenga, from Malindi, said he came for an assessment in November last year and was called on Friday to receive his artificial leg.
“I have stayed without a leg for a long time after it had to be amputated due to cancer since 2001. I have all along been walking with crutches,” he said.
He said the cost of getting prosthetic legs has been too high for him.
Mutinda Tuli, from Kikambala, Kilifi county, brought his mother Rose Kahindi who had her leg amputated due to diabetes.
“I have been from one hospital to another looking for prosthetic legs but it costs around Sh150,000. I cannot afford that. I am glad mum has been fitted with one for free,” he said.
An overjoyed Kahindi said she discovered she had diabetes last June and it was a severe case.
“I was taken to Lunga Lunga hospital but they could not do anything and I was transferred to Msambweni hospital where they said they had to amputate it,” Kahindi said.
