[PHOTOS] Africa's first-of-a-kind cold storage facility launched in Nairobi

In Summary

The facility targets five core sectors in providing cold storage and temperature-controlled solutions to potential customers.
"Our objective is to create a meaningful impact on food safety at all stages of distribution and mitigate food loss.

by MANNY ANYANGO Digital Journalist and Social Media Executive

30 November 2023 - 10:42

The temperature controlled facility of Africa’s first of a kind cold storage
Image: HANDOUT

Africa's first-of-kind Cold Storage Facility has been launched in Kenya, accommodating up to 18,000 pallets, equivalent to 18,000 tonnes of goods at full capacity.

The facility consists of a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled area as well as a fleet of vehicles for the storage and distribution of perishable food products and pharmaceuticals.

A view of the ammonia plant within the facility which it uses as a natural refrigerant
Image: HANDOUT

It was launched on Wednesday at the Tatu City Special Economic Zone and will accommodate a wide range of products with flexibility, which will reduce food waste and enhance safety standards in food distribution in East Africa.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) estimates that around 37 per cent of food produced in Sub-Saharan Africa is lost at various points along the value chain.

The loading/ offloading bays of the cold storage facility
Image: HANDOUT

The facility aims to serve both export and import markets in the Eastern African region.

With an investment of up to $15 million(Sh2,298,750,000) from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the ARCH Cold Chain Solutions Fund targets five core sectors in providing cold storage and temperature-controlled solutions to potential customers.

Loading area of the cold storage facility
Image: HANDOUT

The sectors are horticulture, meat, poultry, and seafood, as well as food manufacturing, supermarkets, quick-service restaurants/ hotels, and pharmaceuticals.

"Our objective is to create a meaningful impact on food safety at all stages of distribution and mitigate food loss. Our strategic expansion plan encompasses Mombasa, Kigali, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa and Kampala," Fredd Kambo, the Managing Director and Co-Head of ARCH Cold Chain Solutions East Africa said.

Cold Chain representative explains more about the range of services offered at the facility
Image: HANDOUT

The ammonia plant within the facility which it uses as a natural refrigerant
Image: HANDOUT

"We take pride in our noteworthy accomplishments, particularly in upholding stringent standards of quality and environmental, social, and governance principles."