When Kenya registered its first Covid-19 case on 12th March 2020, Gideon Lung’ashi Samwel, a Kisumu based artist living with a disability, had secured a tender to supply 100 designer menus to a local hotel.

The deal which could have earned him Sh100, 000 slipped through his fingers as the hotel industry in the lakeside city suffered a beating due to measures announced by the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of the virus.

However, because of his condition and an injury he sustained on his right hand while working, he has only been able to absorb four who are currently being mentored.

Gideon who is also an Ajira Digital mentor says a lot of youth in the area could earn a decent living through art if properly trained and supported to grow.

To take his venture to the next level and mentor more youth, he has appealed to the government and well-wishers to support him to get a working space in town.

Gideon who developed an interest in art at a tender age of 3, battled haemophilia before his right leg was amputated.

He owes his success to his aunt who supported him during the formative years to nurture his talent.

His appeal to the youth and people living with a disability is never to give up but soldier on to make their dreams come true.

KNA by Chris Mahandara/George Kaiga