Kenyan startups Roam and Keep It Cool launch Africa’s first fully electric cold‑chain delivery network, blending green tech and food logistics.
Kenyan startups Roam (site) and Keep It Cool (site) have jointly launched what they describe as Africa’s first fully electric cold‑chain delivery network, combining solar-powered refrigeration with battery‑powered motorcycles to deliver fresh produce efficiently to 4,000 businesses across major urban centers.
This innovative collaboration addresses key challenges in post-harvest logistics, boosting food security while reducing emissions—an initiative poised to reshape trade and investment dynamics in Africa.
Sustainable Synergy: Local Tech Meets Climate Action
The partnership integrates Roam’s Air electric motorcycles and Keep It Cool’s Markiti cold‑chain platform, creating a seamless zero‑emission supply chain.
- Roam Air e‑bikes, built in Kenya, can move up to 240 kg per vehicle, delivering critical capacity for fresh produce.
- Powered by solar‑cooled storage hubs and electric transport, the network reduces operating costs by up to 75% compared to petrol motorcycles.
“This partnership shows how clean transport can drive real impact, reducing emissions, cutting costs, and strengthening local supply chains. Together, we’re proving that the future of logistics in Africa is electric, efficient, and built at home,” said Elijah Gakomo, sales executive at Roam.
Tackling Post‑Harvest Loss & Boosting Food Security
Post-harvest loss remains a pressing issue in sub-Saharan Africa—FAO estimates suggest approximately 37% of produce spoils before reaching markets. Keep It Cool combats this through solar-powered cold rooms and direct producer-to-retailer connections, reducing spoilage dramatically.
According to operations director Abigail Gichigi: “Our aim is to scale up food distribution while remaining environmentally conscious…benefiting both people and the planet.” Her team reports saving nearly 400 tonnes of fish per year, food that would otherwise spoil without adequate cold storage.
Scaling Through Local Manufacturing & Earthshot Accolades
Roam and Keep It Cool bring strong credentials and scale‑up potential to the project. Both startups are Earthshot Prize finalists, a recognition of their innovation and climate impact. Roam has even been named Kenya’s fastest‑growing company by the Financial Times, expanding infrastructure and launching its improved “Gen 2” Roam Air model.
Meanwhile, Keep It Cool is preparing to open Kenya’s largest solar-powered cold‑chain hub, with a 70‑tonne capacity and a plan to reach 1.6 million people by 2030.
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