MEET KENYAN CIVIL ENGINEER WHO REPAIRS SEX TOYS

By Cheptoek Boyo | July 28, 2020

Zein Mahindu is a student of civil engineering at the Technical University of Kenya. The 24-year-old pride’s himself in making women happy by repairing their most intimate product. Mahindu who will have to lose a year in University due to the vagaries of COVID-19, he spoke to Buzz Central exclusively about the nuts and bolts of a sex toy.

Why did you decide to make sex toys your business?

I sincerely had no plans of getting into this business, until a friend of mine told me she had a vibrator that needed fixing. I told her I could have a look and see if there was anything I could do to fix it. I fixed it, and that’s how word went round to other customers.

She actually recommended me to a few individuals who needed their sex toys fixed. It turned out that many women out there needed such services, but were held back by the resounding fear of being stigmatized. That is how I ended up making toys my business. Before that, all I used to do was repair mobile phones, radios, television sets and such like electrical appliances.

How many clients have you served so far?

I would say more than 30 women, and I hope to help a lot more in the future.

How much do you charge to repair?

I charge from Sh500 per piece, but this may go higher depending on the complexity of the task. However, from the repairs I have done so far, the maximum I have ever charged is Sh700.

How long does it take you to repair a single sex toy?

A repair job does not take long. I pride myself in timely and quality delivery of service. I do my best to complete repair work within 24 hours of my receiving the gadget.

Are you single or married?

I’m in a relationship.

Would you allow your partner to use a sex toy?

I believe that use of sex toys should not be restricted to single people. Married individuals can also use them to spice up their sex life. Personally, I encourage every person with an active sexual life to try out sex toys, at least once, then make a decision whether to continue using them or abandon it all together.

When is an adult toy not repairable?

Most sex toys are repairable. However, the remote-controlled sex toys can be a little problematic, especially if it’s the remote that is spoilt.

What would make a sex toy stop working?

I would say accidental dropping on hard surfaces; which interferes with its electrical connection.

Any hygienic concerns when when repairing already used sex toys? 

Most of the sex toys I get to repair have already been used by my clients; and will definitely be used again. As such, my safety and that of my client is key. I handle each repair with a clean pair of gloves. Also, my working surface is always disinfected before and after a toy is repaired. I also ensure that the toy is cleaned immediately it has been repaired as per the manufacturer’s guidelines before handing it over to the client.

How do you test to confirm the sex toy is repaired?

Of course not on a woman, for the ones that use batteries I put in and if it vibrates then it works. While for electric toys I plug it into a charger and see if it works.

Do you sell second-hand toys that the owners don’t want?

No, its unhygienic to share sex toys plus women are not comfortable purchasing used toys.

How many clients do you get per week? 

The number varies, but on a slow week, I get at least two customers, and a good one would see up to 10 customers knock on my door.

What age group of women do you help the most?

I do repairs on all toys regardless of the client’s age. However, majority of my clients are aged between 20-35.

Any male clients?

I have not had any male clients so far, apart from myself, which does not really count. I guess that’s because men in this country do not like the idea of using sex toys. That is why I am not surprised.

Your parents. What do they think about this business? 

My mum knows about the business, and she has been a great supporter of the business. My dad too supports the business, however, he does not know exactly what it is about. He is not as open minded as my mum.

Any plans to start your own sex toys line in future? 

I already started my own line this March. You can find it on Instagram; L’Erotika Hub. I have a number of customers already.

Do you have any plans to expand the business?

I currently work from home, but I have plans to open up a shop to make it easy for clients. In hope to open several stores in future, plus teach other youth the craft as long as they are open minded. As you know, the greatest obstacle to sex toys is the society’s stigma regarding sex.

Who inspires you?

My dad; he’s the one who has always encouraged me to expand my skills. My mum on the other hand has always been the driving force; ensuring that my siblings and I become self reliant.

Any parting words?

Sex toys are not meant to replace men, but to help spice things up in the bedroom. The society should embrace sex toys, especially us men. I encourage the youth to be more open about their needs; problems, and learn to come up with creative ways to solve them. This might just be the break they need to become independent.