Traders at the Kitengela Market in Kajiado County are set to benefit from improved food preservation methods following the launch of a solar-powered cold storage facility aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening livelihoods.
The project was initiated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) in Nairobi in partnership with Food Banking Kenya and the Kajiado county government.
It draws inspiration from the Zero Waste Programme championed by Türkiye’s First Lady, Emine Erdoğan.
In a speech read by Environment Secretary Selly Jemutai Kimosop, on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Mlongo Barasa, the CS said that the initiative demonstrates how climate action can begin at the community level while delivering tangible economic benefits.
“The facility is expected to play a key role in strengthening Kenya’s food systems by helping farmers and traders preserve fresh produce, improve quality, and secure better returns for their labour. It also enhances resilience to climate change and supports the country’s food security agenda,” said the CS.
According to the ministry, Kenya loses between 30 and 40 per cent of its fresh produce annually due to inadequate storage and weak cold chain systems.
These losses translate into reduced incomes for farmers, higher food prices for consumers, and wastage of critical resources such as water, energy, land, and labour.
The new facility is expected to address these challenges by extending the shelf life of produce, reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing market competitiveness, strengthening farmers’ bargaining power, and stabilising supply and prices.
The CS further noted that the project aligns with Kenya’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and contributes to the implementation of the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions. It also supports climate-smart agriculture and strengthens adaptation efforts amid increasing climate variability.
In addition, the initiative advances the objectives of the Sustainable Waste Management Act and supports the National Climate Change Action Plan, reinforcing Kenya’s transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway.
On his part, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kenya, Subutay Yuksel, said Kitengela Market handles large volumes of perishable produce from smallholder farmers and wholesalers, yet traders often incur heavy losses due to inadequate storage.
“Unsold produce is frequently discarded, sold at extremely low prices, or left to spoil. This not only results in serious food waste but also reduces traders’ incomes and undermines market productivity,” he said.
He added that, inspired by the Zero Waste Programme, TİKA Nairobi initiated the Zero Waste Cold Storage Project to address these challenges.
Under the initiative, two 20-foot solar-powered cold room containers have been installed at the market. The facilities operate mainly on solar energy, with a backup connection to the national grid, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted service.
The system provides traders with access to safe and efficient cold storage, enabling them to preserve fresh produce for longer periods and significantly reduce spoilage.
Ambassador Yuksel added that the project seeks to reduce food losses and waste, improve traders’ incomes and resilience, strengthen food security, and demonstrate a scalable model that can be replicated in community markets across the country.
“Food waste is a major contributor to environmental degradation, climate change, and economic loss. By preventing avoidable food waste at the market level, this project directly contributes to climate action and sustainable development,” he said.
He emphasised that reducing food loss is not only an environmental responsibility but also an economic and social necessity, noting that the facility will strengthen livelihoods, improve market efficiency, and support national development goals.
While appreciating TİKA for its support, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku said the initiative will go a long way in sustaining local businesses and farmers who have for years suffered post-harvest losses due to lack of efficient storage facilities.
He expressed optimism that the project would boost incomes, enhance food security, and serve as a model for sustainable market infrastructure across Kenya.
By Diana Meneto
