In a groundbreaking achievement for Kenyan innovation, Keep It Cool has been named one of the five winners of the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize.

The award comes with a £1 million grant to expand Keep It Cool’s environmental solution, which addresses food spoilage and waste while enhancing community livelihoods.

A Sustainable Solution to a Pressing Problem

Food loss and waste are major challenges in many African countries. Traditional methods of storage often lead to significant post-harvest losses, impacting both farmers’ livelihoods and food security. Keep It Cool addresses this issue by offering innovative solutions that extend the shelf life of perishable goods.

Key Benefits of KIC’s Solutions:

• Reduced Food Waste: By preserving produce for longer periods, Keep It Cool helps minimise food loss, ensuring that more food reaches markets and consumers.
• Increased Income: Farmers and fishermen can sell their products at higher prices and for longer periods, leading to increased income and improved livelihoods.
• Enhanced Food Security: By reducing food waste, Keep It Cool contributes to food security, particularly in regions where access to fresh, nutritious food can be limited.
• Environmental Sustainability: Keep It Cool’s solutions often incorporate energy-efficient technologies, reducing the environmental impact of food production and distribution.

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The Cold, Hard Facts of Food Loss

The lack of reliable cold storage infrastructure is a major contributor to food loss in Kenya. Fisherfolk, who rely on the lake for their livelihood, face a daily struggle to preserve their catch. Without proper cooling facilities, fish spoil rapidly, leading to significant economic losses for both the fishermen and the nation.

The Impact of Limited Cold Storage

The absence of centralised energy grids and on-demand cold storage options further worsens the problem. This makes it difficult to maintain the cold chain, especially during the transfer of fish from the lake to markets.

While localised cold storage solutions can help to some extent, they are not sufficient to address the wider supply chain challenges that contribute to food loss.

By installing solar-powered cold storage units at fishing landing sites, Keep It Cool ensures that fresh catches remain in optimal condition. This innovative approach significantly reduces spoilage and food waste, ultimately increasing the income of fishermen and improving food security.

A Holistic Approach to Food Preservation

Keep It Cool’s impact extends beyond refrigeration. The company also connects small-scale farmers and fishermen directly to retail markets, eliminating the need for middlemen and ensuring fair prices for their produce. By brokering agreements with 1,600 retailers, Keep It Cool guarantees a stable market for these vulnerable communities.

Measuring Success: A Sustainable Future

Keep It Cool’s success is measured not only by the reduction of food waste but also by its positive impact on the environment and local economies. By adopting clean energy solutions and reducing food waste, Keep It Cool contributes to a more sustainable future.

Key achievements of KIC:

• Reduced Food Waste: Keep It Cool has successfully reduced post-harvest losses by 98% for 1.5 million kg of food since 2022.
• Increased Farmer Income: 3,600 fishers have seen their incomes increase by more than 15%.
• Strengthened Supply Chains: Keep It Cool has connected small-scale producers to a wider market, empowering local economies.
• Environmental Impact: By reducing food waste and adopting clean energy solutions, Keep It Cool contributes to a more sustainable future.

A Solar-Powered Solution

Keep It Cool is set to launch Kenya’s largest solar-powered cold chain distribution facility this year. This state-of-the-art facility will have a capacity of 70 tonnes, marking a significant increase from their current capacity.

By tapping into the power of solar energy, Keep It Cool is not only reducing its environmental impact but also ensuring reliable and cost-effective cold storage solutions.

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Expanding Horizons

Keep It Cool’s vision extends beyond Kenya’s borders. The company has ambitious plans to expand its operations into East Africa and beyond, focusing on sectors such as poultry, fruits, and vegetables. By reaching more communities, Keep It Cool aims to improve the livelihoods of up to 1.6 million people by 2030.

The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental initiative launched by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Sir David Attenborough, has been making significant strides in recognising and rewarding innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Since its inception, the Earthshot Prize has received an overwhelming response, with 5,342 nominations from around the world. A rigorous selection process has narrowed down these nominations to 60 finalists and ultimately 20 winners.

These winners represent a diverse range of groundbreaking solutions, from clean energy technologies to sustainable agriculture practices.

A Brighter Future

The Earthshot Prize demonstrates the power of human creativity and the potential for positive change. By recognising and rewarding innovative solutions, the Earthshot Prize inspires hope and drives action towards a more sustainable future.

As we continue to face environmental challenges, it is essential to support and invest in these groundbreaking initiatives.