New cold storage facility brings relief to Kisii farmers in Kenya

KENYA – The Kiamokama Cold Storage Facility has officially been launched in Kisii, marking a major win for local farmers who have long struggled with food losses after harvest.

The day began with a courtesy visit to the Kisii County Governor’s office, where the Deputy Governor welcomed the team behind the project.

He praised the partnership between the Kisii County Government and the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), calling the facility “a lifeline for our farmers, a bridge to better markets, and a promise of sustainable growth.”

Local leaders, farmers, and officials from the County Executive Committees for Trade and Agriculture gathered to celebrate the launch. The event reflected strong support from the community, with farmers sharing their hopes during a public participation forum. They expressed the need for better storage options, improved market access, and reduced losses.

“This facility isn’t just a structure, it’s a lifeline for our farmers,” the Deputy Governor said. “It will help reduce waste, open up markets, and improve food security.”

Attendees toured the cold storage unit, which features modern equipment built to keep fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.

The tour helped farmers understand how the facility works and how it could directly benefit them. The event closed with a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the teamwork behind the achievement.

Tackling food waste through infrastructure

Kenya loses about KSh 72 billion (USD 500 million) every year due to post-harvest food losses, mostly affecting small-scale farmers. Fruits and vegetables suffer the most.

Tomatoes alone account for around KSh 18 billion (USD 125 million) in losses, followed by green grams at KSh 15 billion (USD 104 million), sukuma wiki at KSh 4.6 billion (USD 32 million), and bananas at about KSh 2 billion (USD 14 million). Poor handling, market delays, and lack of proper storage remain the top challenges.

The new cold storage facility in Kiamokama offers a practical solution. By preserving fresh produce for longer periods, it helps farmers avoid urgent sales at low prices and gives them a better chance to reach quality markets.

Beyond Kisii, more solutions are being discussed to deal with food loss across Kenya. These include solar drying, improved packaging, and value addition. There is also growing support for inter-county trade agreements that would allow counties to manage bumper harvests and share food supplies across regions.

Strengthening agricultural extension services and community-led efforts could make a real difference. When asked about future steps, a representative from MSEA said, “This facility is only the beginning. We are working with other counties to make sure no farmer is left behind.”

As farmers in Kisii begin to store their harvests in better conditions, the goal remains clear: reduce losses, grow incomes, and support strong local food systems.

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