Keep IT Cool
Location
Kenya and Uganda
Sector
Agriculture
Type of Investment
Risk capital
Project Stage
Test & Transition
Length of Investment
2025+
Website
Investment Overview
Keep IT Cool (KIC) operates in the fish value chain, providing an end-to-end cold chain logistics solution which utilises a technology platform to align supply (fish catch) with demand, to enhance efficiency and reduce waste throughout the value chain.
The Development Challenge
Small-scale fisherfolk are central to Kenya’s fishing industry, contributing significantly to food security and the economy. However, they experience significant post-harvest losses due to lack of cold storage, inadequate transportation and limited market access.
The absence of adequate refrigeration facilities means fish spoils quickly in the hot climate, especially when transportation to markets is delayed. Poor road infrastructure and limited access to reliable transportation hinder the swift delivery of fresh fish to markets, increasing spoilage during transit. The most lucrative markets are also far from landing sites, delaying sales. Because of these challenges, much of the fisherfolk’s catch is wasted or sold at lower prices, affecting their livelihoods.
The Innovation
Keep IT Cool provides an end-to-end cold chain logistics solution to help align supply with demand, using a technology platform to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
First, it provides ice and cooler boxes to the fisherfolk whilst they are open water catching fish and at the landing site. It also operates hubs near landing sites at Lake Victoria and Lake Tukana which serve as the first point of engagement for the fisherfolk with KIC. The hubs provide storage for the produce using cooler boxes and have a consistent and reliable source of ice. Additionally, the hubs are the sites of the initial quality checks (for the catch) and offer training for the fisherfolk on optimal fish handling practices.
As a middle step, the aggregated produce is transported to the Zidisha Hub, in Nairobi for value addition. Further quality checks are conducted upon receipt of the produce and before the fish is sorted, scaled, gutted or filleted, and portioned according to customer specifications.
Then at the Sambaza Hub, the Dispatch Hub, processed products are received and a final quality check is performed before the products are stored in one of two solar cold storage units. Once orders have been checked and verified, the produce is prepared for delivery to the respective B2B retailers or B2C customers.
As a last-mile Intervention, KIC also installs solar-powered freezers for retailers to deliver reliable cold storage solutions for fish retailers who struggle with unstable electricity grids
Our Investment
GIF has made a £500,000 investment in Keep IT Cool as a Convertible Note, with a first tranche ($350k) upon close, and second tranche upon completion of milestones ($150k).
GIF is participating in the current round alongside lead investor, Acumen, in a deal which will significantly scale the business. Key outcomes will include supporting the establishment of a solar powered fish and poultry processing facility in Karura, new key hires, and establishing and operationalising at least one new marketing and distribution centre.
Why we invested
KIC supports climate action by reducing post-harvest losses, ultimately decreasing both food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, by offering solar-powered cold storage, KIC not only minimises waste but also provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources (if these are even accessible), reducing the carbon footprint of the value chain.
KIC is addressing one of the most pressing issues in the fish value chain: the complex gender dynamics that often perpetuate inequality, particularly the prevalence of “sex-for-fish” transactions, which disproportionately affect women. Its commitment to implement targeted interventions, such as providing alternative economic opportunities for women and promoting equitable access to resources, the company is making efforts to create a safer and more inclusive value chain.
GIF is also backing an excellent team: the co-founders bring a complementary mix of experience that benefits the company.
Keep IT Cool in numbers
Risk Capital investment
Reduction in post-harvest losses
Revenue increase among participating fisherfolk