Coronavirus: Kenyan boy who made hand-washing machine awarded
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A nine-year-old Kenyan boy who made a wooden hand-washing machine to help curb the spread of coronavirus has told the BBC he is "very happy" after receiving a presidential award.
"I now have two machines and I want to make more," Stephen Wamukota said.
They allow users to tip a bucket of water using a foot pedal to avoid touching surfaces to reduce infections.
Stephen came up with the idea after learning on TV about ways to prevent catching the virus.
Kenya has reported more than 2,000 cases of Covid-19 and 69 deaths.
Stephen and his family live in Mukwa village, in Bungoma country, western Kenyan, which has not reported a single case of the virus.
His father, James Wamukota, however, worries that it could still come to his area.
How was the machine-made?
"I had bought some pieces of wood to make a window frame, but when I came back home after work one day I found that Stephen had made the machine," Mr. Wamukota told the BBC.
"The concept was his and I helped tighten the machine. I'm very proud," he said.
Mr Wamukota, who repairs electronic goods for a living, said that his son has always been keen to learn his trade.
He posted his son's invention on Facebook and was surprised how quickly it was shared, he said.
Stephen was among 68 Kenyans given the Presidential Order of Service, Uzalendo (Patriotic) Award on Monday.
Stephen said that he wants to be an engineer when he grows up and the county government has promised to give him a scholarship, Mr Wamukota said.
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BCCI asks Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman
Guwahati (PTI): The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its squad ahead of the Indian Premier League's 2026 edition amid the growing strain in bilateral ties between the two countries.
KKR had acquired the services of the 30-year-old left-armer for Rs 9.20 crore from a base price of Rs 2 crore after an intense bidding war with Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals at the players' auction last month.
The BCCI said KKR will be allowed to name a replacement player if required.
"The BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman from its squad. They can ask for replacement, if needed. And upon request, BCCI will allow a replacement player," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI here on Saturday.
Asked why the BCCI has asked Kolkata Knight Riders to do so, he replied, "Because of recent developments all across."
The pressure had been mounting on the BCCI over the participation of the Bangladesh cricketer amid recent killing of a Hindu man in the country and India's expression of concern for the safety of minorities there.
