Challenges in Kenya’s Agricultural Sector

In Kenya, over 60% of the rural population depends directly on agriculture. Most produce comes from small-scale farmers who use traditional methods. However, in tropical climates, high temperatures lead to significant losses in both quantity and quality—especially with perishable products like fruits and vegetables. These often spoil shortly after harvest, even before reaching the end consumer. A key issue is that many products are traded in local markets without access to cold chains.

Climate-Friendly Cooling Powered by Solar Energy

To minimize these losses, the German company Phaesun GmbH has developed an off-grid cooling technology: the SelfChill cooling rooms. These allow storage of up to 500 kg of fruits and vegetables at a constant 4°C—without any electrical grid connection. The innovation lies in the use of solar energy: excess electricity is stored as thermal energy in an ice storage system, allowing for continued cooling even after dark. The system is supported by small batteries that extend the operation of the cooling units beyond sunset. The cooling rooms are built using locally available materials and are equipped with SelfChill core components.

Successful Pilot Projects in Mbita and Homa Bay

In collaboration with the Kenyan social enterprise WeHub Victoria Limited (WeTu), two SelfChill cooling rooms have been installed at marketplaces along Lake Victoria—in Mbita (in operation since January 2024) and in Homa Bay (since February 2025). Both systems operate under the Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS) model. Market vendors can store their perishable goods—such as leafy greens—for a small fee, keeping them fresh.

Growing Benefits for Vendors and Operators

Experience in Mbita shows strong potential for success. After initial hesitation, usage steadily increased thanks to targeted awareness campaigns by WeTu. User behavior also began to change. Vendors started buying in larger quantities, storing goods in the cooling room, and selling them over several days. This approach proved economically beneficial for both vendors and operators. The insights gained are now being used to further develop the business model in Homa Bay, where larger-scale traders are being specifically targeted.

With the RES programme, the German Energy Solutions Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Action (BMWK) supports German companies in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors enter new markets. Within the framework of the programme, reference plants are installed and marketed with the support of the German Energy Agency (dena). Information and training activities help ensure a sustainable market entry and demonstrate the quality of climate-friendly technologies made in Germany.