The Cool Logistics Corridor Project aims to improve cold chain logistics for Kenya’s horticultural
exports, ensuring that perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and flowers retain their quality from
the farm to international markets. This project is focused on creating temperature-controlled
transport and storage solutions to minimize post-harvest losses, boost export competitiveness,
and comply with strict international quality and safety standards. It operates as a public-private
partnership (PPP) involving government agencies, development partners, and logistics service
providers.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s National Horticulture Policy and the Big Four Agenda,
particularly in enhancing agricultural productivity and increasing export revenues. The corridor
connects key production areas such as Nairobi, Naivasha, and Mombasa to export hubs like Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the Port of Mombasa.
Implementation Status
The project has been in the implementation phase since 2020, achieving several important
milestones:
- Cold Storage Facilities: Development of packhouses and temperature-controlled
warehouses at key aggregation points. - Refrigerated Transport: Introduction of reefer containers for the transportation of fresh
produce by road and rail. - Naivasha Inland Container Depot (ICD) Linkage: The project has integrated rail
logistics to lessen reliance on road transport, ensuring quicker and safer movement of
perishable goods. - Export Compliance Support: Training for farmers and exporters on how to handle
produce to meet EU and Middle Eastern market standards. - Stakeholder Collaboration: Partnerships with Kenya Railways, Kenya Ports Authority
(KPA), logistics firms, and exporters to enhance logistics infrastructure.
Key Findings
- Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses: Enhanced cold chain infrastructure has resulted in
a 20–30% decrease in post-harvest losses, thus boosting profitability for farmers and
exporters. - Increased Export Efficiency: The project has reduced transit times for fresh produce by
up to 40%, ensuring fresher deliveries to global markets. - Cost Savings: The use of rail-linked reefer containers has lowered logistics costs,
especially for exporters utilizing the Port of Mombasa.
Challenges such as high electricity costs for cold storage, limited private sector investment, and
regulatory hurdles continue to pose significant barriers to full-scale implementation.