Sierra Leone student builds solar tricycles to fight air pollution: Video
A 23-year-old engineering student in Sierra Leone is working to reduce air pollution by creating solar-powered tricycles, known locally as "kekehs."
Inspired by his uncle’s death from a respiratory illness caused by exhaust fumes, James Samba wants to offer a cleaner alternative to Sierra Leone’s polluting public transport.
Samba built his first electric kekeh from recycled materials in his small workshop.
"I wanted to save others from dying of lung and respiratory disease due to air pollution," he said. His company, Sierra Electric, aims to manufacture solar-powered kekehs and electric vehicles for people with disabilities.
Samba is partnering with NEEV Salone, a local company with over 100 solar tricycles and charging stations to expand his work.
"Our e-kekeh products are thriving," said Emmanuella Sandy, co-founder of NEEV Salone. "We are training young people to assemble and maintain these vehicles to help solve the transport challenges in Sierra Leone."
Drivers like Thomas Kanu say the solar kekehs are better for the environment and their wallets. "This one doesn’t use fuel, no noise, no pollution. I make more money driving it," Kanu said. Samba hopes his work will inspire others to switch to clean energy solutions.
