Kenya has introduced a new solar-powered cold storage unit at Nairobi City Market. The move aims to improve storage for perishable goods and support local traders. The cold storage unit is part of a broader initiative to modernise Nairobi’s markets and promote eco-friendly solutions that benefit both traders and the local economy.
The facility is designed to serve 162 traders each day, helping to preserve fruits, vegetables, and dairy products while reducing food waste by approximately 100 tonnes annually. The unit has an external volume of 67m³ and an internal capacity of 59m³, with a storage capacity of 10 metric tonnes. It operates on an 18 kWp solar system, making it energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Losses in perishable goods
Traders at the market often faced heavy losses as their perishable goods would easily go bad. Without proper storage, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products were left exposed to the heat, causing them to rot before they could be sold. The lack of cooling systems meant that the potential for profit was continuously undermined, leaving traders with dwindling resources and mounting frustration.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja highlighted the project’s role in modernising the market and improving food security. The facility is expected to prevent spoilage, increase traders’ profits, and enhance customer trust in the quality of market goods.
“This facility will benefit many, and we will ensure its implementation in other markets, both in new constructions and existing ones. It is solar-powered, making it not only helpful to traders but also cost-effective to maintain, as it operates solely on solar energy,” said Sakaja.