In Dakar, air pollution poses a serious threat to children’s health, especially in high-traffic areas. The Senegalese start-up Kaikai recently launched an innovative initiative by installing air quality sensors in several schools across the country.

Sensors installed in schools in Dakar

At El Hadji Mbaye Diop school, a device installed by Kaikai alerts staff in case of a pollution peak. Christelle Williams, a 12-year-old student, emphasizes the importance of this tool to protect her asthmatic classmates. “The sensors send a signal to the principal, who can then notify the parents,” she explains. This measure aims to reduce risks for children, many of whom suffer from respiratory problems.

The start-up has deployed 50 sensors throughout Senegal, allowing to measure various parameters related to pollution. Dieudonné Fortune Gnanguenon, project manager, points out that this data is essential to raise awareness and advocate for regulatory improvements. “We want this information to be used to influence public policies,” he adds.

Positive impact on students’ health

Since the installation of the sensors in December 2024, the school principal, Moustapha Diagne, has noticed a decrease in absences related to respiratory illnesses. “Academic performance has improved and parents are less worried,” he notes. The collected data is shared on open platforms like IQAir, enhancing the transparency of the initiative.

Kaikai is also advocating for a modernization of air quality legislation, the latest dating back to 2004. The goal is to create a healthier school environment for future generations.