— Concern Citizens Urge Parliament to Intervene

Concerned Sierra Leoneans have raised serious alarm over what they describe as the growing monopoly surrounding the importation of commercial bikes and tricycles (popularly known as Okada and Kekeh), reportedly granted to Shalimar Trading Company. Many citizens believe this arrangement is not in the interest of the citizens as it places unbearable economic pressure on the already struggling population.

According to several individuals who spoke to the media, the monopoly has directly contributed to a sharp increase in the prices of both bikes and kekehs — items that serve as a major source of employment for thousands of Sierra Leonean youths. Reports indicate that the cost of a single kekeh has skyrocketed to nearly NLe 80,000, while a bike now sells between NLe 27,000 and NLe 30,000, making it increasingly difficult for young people to afford them.

“This monopoly is killing our dreams,” lamented one rider. “Before, we could buy a bike on instalment and start earning immediately, but now the prices are so high that we can’t even think about it.”

The situation has sparked growing public outrage, with many calling on the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Parliament, to urgently review or reverse the agreement that allows a single company to control the market. Citizens argue that if the monopoly is lifted and the sector opened to fair competition, prices will naturally fall, and more Sierra Leoneans will once again have access to meaningful self-employment opportunities.

Observers warn that failure to address the issue could worsen youth unemployment and deepen poverty levels across the country. They are therefore urging policymakers to act swiftly in the interest of ordinary Sierra Leoneans whose livelihoods depend on commercial transport.