Founded in 2021 by Francis Nderitu and Abigail Gachigi, Keep IT Cool (KIC) is transforming the food preservation landscape in Kenya. With solar-powered refrigeration and a tech-driven approach to market access, the startup is tackling the everyday challenge of food spoilage. Meanwhile, empowering small-scale farmers and fishers to secure stable incomes.
It’s Innovative Approach to Preservation
Keep IT Cool addresses food preservation by installing solar-powered cold storage units at key sites where fish are brought ashore.
These units ensure the catch remains fresh until it is transported to markets, significantly reducing spoilage. This solution enables more produce to reach consumers in great condition.
In addition, KIC’s app, Markiti, connects farmers and fishers directly to a network of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets.
By providing real-time data on demand, the app helps producers align their supply with market needs, minimizing waste and maximizing profitability.
It’s Market Integration
KIC has secured agreements with about 1,600 retailers, ensuring timely purchases of produce.
By offering agreed prices at the point of collection, the company eliminates the reliance on middlemen and protects producers from fluctuating market prices.
This approach provides income stability for farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring they are fairly compensated regardless of external market conditions.
Expansion and Future Plans
Following its successful expansion into Tanzania, KIC is constructing a state-of-the-art, solar-powered cold chain facility.
This new facility will boost the company’s capacity by a factor of seven, enabling it to serve over 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk while expanding into the storage and distribution of fruits and vegetables.
Impact and Achievements
KIC has made remarkable strides in reducing post-harvest losses (PHL). Since 2022, the company has achieved a 98% reduction in PHL for 1.5 million kilograms of produce.
Currently managing 250,000 kilograms of produce each week, KIC supplies over 2,000 small businesses and 40 supermarkets, with growing demand from an additional 350 small enterprises.
Its efforts have saved 25% of fish that would otherwise have gone to waste, increasing the incomes of 3,600 fisherfolk by more than 15%. KIC also collaborates with eight fisherfolk cooperatives, representing approximately 4,500 members.
Funding and Recognition
KIC’s impactful work has attracted significant investment. It recently secured funding from global impact investor Acumen, which will support the company’s expansion into Kenya’s Turkana region and enhance sourcing processes.
Acumen will also provide technical expertise to help KIC integrate refugee communities into its poultry supply chain.
As a reflection of its global influence, KIC was awarded the prestigious Earthshot Prize, receiving USD 1.21 million to further its sustainability goals.
Earlier this year, it also completed a pre-seed funding round with the Catalyst Fund.
Commenting on the latest funding success, co-founder Francis Nderitu said:
“Our collaboration with Acumen centres on our mutual commitment to uplifting underserved African communities. We are dedicated to empowering these communities by enhancing productivity, improving market access, and reducing waste, ultimately boosting their incomes.”
Conclusion
Keep IT Cool is redefining food preservation and market access in East Africa.
By leveraging clean energy and innovative technology, the startup is not only combating food waste but also driving economic empowerment across the region.
As it scales its operations, KIC is poised to make an even greater impact on food security, sustainability, and livelihoods throughout the continent.
