Our end-to-end cold chain logistics solution utilizes a technology platform to align supply (fish catch) with demand (rural and urban customers), enhancing efficiency and reducing waste throughout the value chain.
First Mile: Ice Flakes for Fisherfolk
Fishing can take two or more days for fishermen to harvest the desired quantity of fish. Without a dependable supply of ice during these long trips, the catch is at risk of spoiling or losing its quality before reaching the landing site. Keep IT Cool has established Wezesha Hub, an aggregation center strategically located near fish landing sites to address cold chain needs. The hub provides cooler boxes and implements solar-powered ice production and fish aggregation centers around Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria. These facilities ensure that fishermen have immediate access to ice, which is crucial for preserving fish quality. Additionally, Wezesha Hub offers training on optimal fish handling practices and supplies improved fishing equipment. This initiative significantly reduces food waste due to poor handling before the fish reaches the market and supports sustainable fishing practices.
Middle Mile: Cold Logistics
Kenya’s warm climate makes effective temperature control essential, especially for delicate white meat products like fish and chicken. To ensure optimal freshness, Keep IT Cool employs hybrid cold chain logistics throughout the journey. This system maintains the fish in perfect condition from the moment it is purchased from fisherfolk.We utilize hybrid trucks to transport fish over distances of 400 to 700 kilometers from Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana to Zidisha Hub, our value addition center. At Zidisha, the fish is sorted, scaled, gutted or filleted, and portioned according to customer specifications. The processed fish is then distributed to various Sambaza hubs, our distribution outlets, across cities and towns. This method not only ensures the delivery of fresh produce to distant markets but also reduces carbon emissions by 51%, minimizes food waste, and supports sustainable practices.
Last Mile: Solar-Powered Freezers for Retailers
As a Google-backed startup, Keep IT Cool has forged a strong partnership with Google to leverage advanced technology for mapping demand and optimizing distribution routes. Our innovative approach includes providing and installing solar-powered freezers, delivering reliable cold storage solutions for fish retailers who struggle with unstable electricity grids.Our leasing model allows businesses to acquire freezers without upfront costs, with the added flexibility to upgrade to larger units as their needs grow. To date, Keep IT Cool has supported over 350 retail shops in Nairobi. A stroll through the city’s cafes and restaurants will likely reveal our solar-powered freezers, showcasing our expanding presence and impact in the market.
First to Last mile – Impact Story
As of mid 2024, Keep IT Cool has made substantial strides across the value chain through its innovative model:
- Protein Delivery: Supplied over 1,965 metric tons of fresh fish and poultry, equating to 4.9 million meals for retailers and end customers.
- Increased income: Partnered with 4,650 fishers, 81 fish farms, and 205 poultry farms, boosting their incomes by 20%.
- Retail Agreements: Maintained relationships with 2,706 retailers to ensure a consistent, high-quality supply of fish and chicken, with 350 of them supported with our freezers.
- Environmental and Economic Impact:
- Carbon Emissions: Cut carbon emissions by 51% (69 tCO2e) through efforts like food waste reduction, solar-powered coolers, and hybrid trucks.
- Livelihoods Impacted: Improved the lives of 31,550 individuals, including fisher folk, poultry farmers, retailers, and internal employees, benefiting over 123,000 people.
- Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: Reduced post-harvest losses by preserving 25% to 50% of fishers’ harvests.
- Job Creation: Generated 100 direct jobs and over 500 indirect jobs for youth in the region.
- Waste Reduction: Diverted over 96 tons of fish offcuts from landfills by Q3 2024, with 79 tons benefiting women retailers and 17 tonnes of waste up-cycled into chicken feed/ manure through our partnership with BSF companies to improve our circular practices.
Overall, Keep IT Cool has effectively tackled post-harvest losses, advanced economic empowerment, and promoted sustainable practices in East Africa through its innovative logistics solutions.
