Women Find Livelihoods in Sierra Leone’s Informal Kekeh Sector
In Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, a growing number of women are trading the uncertainty of formal job searches for the wheels of a kekeh — the three‑wheeled motorized rickshaw that weaves through the city’s congested streets. For many, this shift is less a choice and more a necessity driven by stark labor market realities.
Rising Unemployment Pushes Youth Toward Informal Work
Official figures place youth unemployment and underemployment in Sierra Leone between 60 % and 70 % 1. With formal employment opportunities scarce, especially for recent graduates, the informal economy has become a vital lifeline for households across the country.
Alimatu Kamara, a kekeh driver in Freetown, explains her motivation succinctly: “What motivated me to start kekeh driving is that I finished my studies but couldn’t find a job.” Her story mirrors that of thousands of young Sierra Leoneans who turn to informal work after completing secondary or tertiary education.
Kekeh Driving as a Viable Income Source
The kekeh sector has emerged as one of the most accessible entry points into the informal labor market. Unlike traditional market vending, which often yields low and irregular earnings, kekeh driving offers a relatively steady stream of income tied to passenger fares.
According to Marfoh Mariama Samai, a women and youth advocate at Plan International, women are already active participants in Sierra Leone’s labor market, yet they frequently occupy roles with limited earning potential 2. The kekeh business, by contrast, allows drivers to set their own schedules, choose routes, and retain a larger share of daily takings.
Data from the Sierra Leone Ministry of Labour indicate that women’s participation in the formal labor force remains below 30 %, and when they are employed formally, they earn only a fraction of what their male counterparts receive 3. The informal sector, while harder to measure, provides a pathway for women like Alimatu to bypass these structural barriers.
Challenges and Opportunities for Women Drivers
Despite its promise, kekeh driving is not without obstacles. Drivers report:
- Limited access to affordable financing for vehicle purchase or maintenance.
- Safety concerns, particularly for women navigating traffic‑dense areas after dark.
- Inconsistent enforcement of traffic regulations, which can lead to fines or vehicle confiscation.
- Lack of social protection mechanisms such as health insurance or paid leave.
Nonetheless, several initiatives are beginning to address these gaps. Micro‑finance institutions now offer low‑interest loans specifically for kekeh purchases, and NGOs such as Plan International have launched training programs that combine driving skills with basic business management and financial literacy 4. These efforts aim to improve both the safety and profitability of women‑led kekeh enterprises.
Policy Implications and Support Needed
To harness the full potential of the kekeh sector as a driver of inclusive economic growth, policymakers could consider:
- Streamlining licensing procedures to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for new drivers.
- Investing in dedicated kekeh lanes or parking zones to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents.
- Expanding access to affordable credit through government‑backed guarantee schemes.
- Integrating informal workers into national social security frameworks, ensuring coverage for health, maternity, and old‑age risks.
- Collecting gender‑disaggregated data on informal transport to inform targeted interventions.
By recognizing kekeh driving not merely as a stopgap but as a legitimate component of urban mobility, Sierra Leone can create a more resilient labor market that supports women’s economic empowerment while meeting the transportation needs of its growing urban population.
1 World Bank, “Sierra Leone Economic Update,” 2022.
2 Plan International, “Women and Youth in Sierra Leone’s Labor Market,” 2023.
3 Sierra Leone Ministry of Labour and Social Security, “Labor Force Survey,” 2021.
4 International Labour Organization (ILO), “Informal Transport and Livelihoods,” 2024.
