Yusuf Toya, a Form Four leaver and jua kali artisan based in Ukunda, Kwale county, has built a Ksh1 million vintage car from scratch using recycled metals.
In an interview with TV47 on June 4, Toya revealed that the vehicle’s design was inspired by the Mini Moke model which was famous in the world in the 1960s.
The jua kali artisan stated that the car was assembled locally, noting that he used materials from his shop. Further, Toya revealed that it cost him Ksh200,000 to make his design come to fruition.
“I learnt welding while I was working at my uncle’s jua kali shop. Later on, I opened my own shop. Unlike what people think, I did not go to any engineering class and I have learnt all these from experience,” the artisan stated.
He added that the artwork attracted many residents and tourists who have shown interest in buying the car.
Toya stated that the car was attractive as its outlook was modeled to perfection. He stated that many tourists in the area were hiring it for various tourist adventures in the county.
“The car is very attractive and most people alight from their vehicles to come and see it. The good thing about this car is that it can go for long distances because I put a radiator and temperature gauges among other important parts of the car.”
One of the residents praised Toya for his innovation as he revealed that the car was used as an ambulance to take a pregnant woman to the hospital. He described the car as a lifesaver as the area had few ambulances.
“The outlook of the vehicle is different from the rest. It has saved us because we used it to take an expectant mother to the hospital and back to her home because there was no means of transport,” the resident stated.
Further, Toya urged the government to invest in the artisan industry in the country, noting that the sector could offer employment to many talented youths who are unemployed.
However, he commended the government for introducing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), stating many children will start learning about their talents from a tender age.
“Right now people are crying about unemployment and all they need is motivation. I never imagined that I would have my car running on the road but as you can see today, it is out there. The same can apply to them,” Toya stated.
