The installation was developed by Hanse AgroStore Africa for the Chemare Farmers Cooperative Society, a cooperative representing several hundred potato growers.
A 50-ton capacity design built to withstand heat
This compact storage facility offers a capacity of around 50 tonnes of potatoes and was designed to limit temperature fluctuations. The structure is built on a metal frame covered with insulated “sandwich” panels, intended to prevent heat from entering the building during the day.
Cooling is ensured through a natural ventilation system. Doors and vents are opened at night to allow cooler air to enter, and the facility is closed again at dawn. This process helps maintain relatively low temperatures throughout the day, acting as an effective thermal buffer.
Reducing post-harvest losses and improving market flexibility
According to project stakeholders, this passive cooling system can extend potato storage life by several weeks—or even several months—while reducing quality losses. For farmers, this represents a strategic opportunity: better control over selling timing, improved crop value, and reduced post-harvest losses.
A replicable model to strengthen food supply chains
The facility components were prefabricated in Zeeland before being shipped to Kenya, where the installation is now fully operational. The project illustrates how simple, energy-independent solutions can help strengthen food supply chains in rural areas, while improving farmers’ resilience to climate and logistical challenges.