A newly installed solar-powered cold storage unit at Nairobi City Market is set to boost traders by preserving perishable goods and reducing food waste. The facility, designed to serve 162 traders daily, is expected to prevent around 100 tonnes of organic waste from reaching landfills each year.
During an inspection on Thursday, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasized the project’s role in modernizing the city’s markets.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize Nairobi’s markets and improve food security for both traders and consumers,”
“Many traders suffer huge losses due to a lack of proper storage, but with this facility, we are providing a sustainable solution.” Sakaja said.
The cold storage unit has an external volume of 67m³ and an internal capacity of 59m³. It operates on an 18 kWp solar system with a 10MT capacity, making it cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Traders at the market have often struggled with spoilage of perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products due to the lack of proper storage. Many have welcomed the facility, saying it will help prevent losses and improve business.
C40 Executive Director Mark Watts, who was present during the inspection, noted the sustainability of the project. “This project is fully solar-powered, making it not only helpful to traders but also cost-effective to maintain, as it operates solely on solar energy,” Watts said.
Sakaja assured traders that similar storage units would be introduced in other markets. “We will ensure this initiative is replicated in other markets, both in new constructions and existing ones,” he said.
The cold storage facility is part of Nairobi’s broader plan to modernize markets and promote eco-friendly solutions that support both the local economy and environmental sustainability.
