Clean and Inspiring Strories

Defying The Odds : Meet 62 Year Old Blind Carpenter Who is Amazing Everyone In Turkana County

Post author By Link Press
Post date Jul 15, 2015

Napetet, near Lodwar Wilson Namtoun, 58, at work crafting a money box which he plans to sell at market. Wilson, who is blind, bought his tools using cash received as part of the hunger safety net programme, an innovative scheme funded by the UK, which is helping 60,000 of the most vulnerable people across northern Kenya to buy food and other essentials. Having the tools means that Wilson can make a modest living from his carpentry instead of relying on livestock which have been dying in large numbers due to the drought. The lack of rain this year across the Horn of Africa has resulted in failed crops, lack of water and death of livestock. The Government of Kenya declared the drought a national disaster as 3.5 million people in the country are in need of emergency assistance. Programmes like the hunger safety net have meant that vulnerable people in the arid lands are able to diversify and survive.

A 62 year old carpenter from Turkana County has been turning heads for his perfection of a craft that many would not expect from a visually impaired person.

Wilson Namton is living proof of the old adage that every cloud has a silver lining. Wilson saw the light 16 years ago after losing his first job and has not looked back since then. Despite that he is managing to provide for his family on a daily basis.

Watch his story below: