Kenny Saota, a self-made engineer from Athi River, Machakos County, has earned recognition for his ingenuity after successfully building a three-wheeled vehicle.
This impressive feat cost Saota approximately KSh 450,000 and took him just two weeks to complete. Despite the challenges he faced, Saota is optimistic about his future in car manufacturing and aims to expand his work with additional funding and support.
Saota revealed that this is not his first vehicle. In 2023, he built another three-wheeled car, which he named the Aviator.
His second creation, however, has drawn significant attention due to its potential for affordable and disability-friendly transportation solutions.
During an interview with pulsenews.co.ke, Saota shared his vision for the future, expressing his desire to establish a fully functional workshop where he can manufacture vehicles for persons with disabilities.
“My dream is to have a workshop where I can create solar-powered, disability-friendly cars. I want companies like Toyota to see my work and invest in my idea,” he said.
Saota's innovative approach is not only focused on creating vehicles for the general public but also tailored to cater to the needs of those with mobility challenges.
His vehicles, which are currently powered by motorcycle engines, could soon incorporate more advanced engines to enhance their performance. Saota noted that he could sell the car for KSh 500,000 if he upgrades it with a vehicle engine instead of the current motorbike engine.
The journey to building his three-wheeled car came with its own set of challenges, including financial constraints. Despite this, Saota remains determined to pursue his dream. He is actively seeking sponsorships and investments to further his work and contribute to Kenya’s automotive industry.
In addition to his automotive ventures, Saota’s story highlights the potential for young innovators in Kenya to make significant contributions to technological advancements. His creativity and perseverance serve as an inspiration for many, demonstrating how passion and determination can drive success, even with limited resources.
Elsewhere, Saota’s story brings to light the broader potential of local talent in the automotive industry. In another instance, a Kenyan mechanic, Antony Mbugua, shared his experience of transforming a car valued at KSh 150,000 into a model worth KSh 1.05 million after a complete external makeover.
Mbugua's transformation, which took three weeks, showcases the growing capabilities of local mechanics and engineers to deliver impressive results with limited budgets.
For Saota, the future looks bright as he continues to work on his projects. His determination to create innovative, cost-effective vehicles will not only serve to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities but also contribute to the growth of local manufacturing industries.
0 Comments