She was only 18 years old when she picked up a hammer for the first time to begin working in the quarry in 1960.
Even at the age of 80, Rebecca Njeri Muthike continues to use a hammer and chisel to chip away at the stones in the quarry.
She has spent the last 62 years living and working in the “Kwa V” quarry.
She’s obviously lost much of her strength with age. She is digging into a large mound of stone with a sledge hammer that sounds worn out, like an overworked tractor.
“This is where I have been working almost my entire life. Since my days as a young woman,” Muthike offers as she methodically hammers at a stubborn piece of rock in front of her.
“It has been a struggle, but we keep pushing to make sure we get our daily bread from these stones,” adds Rebecca as she wipes streams of sweat from her forehead.
It is obvious that every faculty of her body has stood with her for over six decades, but even a machine needs rest.
This is a kind of work many have associated with men – that’s because men are believed to have the back and muscle to demolish rocks.
It is hard to imagine that at 80 years of age – Muthike is still engaged in this energy-sapping job that can be dangerous if done without the appropriate gear and equipment.
According to her, there are a handful of women from Mutithi Ward in Mwea who are engaged in mild quarry work for a living – and it’s not easy.
“This is what puts food on our table. It’s not easy especially having done this for many years to raise my children and grandchildren.”
Adding: “I just wish the government would register some of us into the Inua jamii program so I can rest my back after 62 years of tough work.”
