The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) has announced a strategic investment in Keep It Cool (KIC), a Nairobi-based startup that is transforming agricultural and fisheries supply chains through its smart distribution platform, Markiti. This investment is part of a broader funding round led by impact investor Acumen and is aimed at scaling KIC’s operations across Kenya and Uganda.
KIC provides decentralized cold storage and logistics solutions tailored to the needs of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk — two groups that face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate infrastructure. In regions like Lake Victoria, up to 50% of daily fish catches are lost before reaching the market, largely due to the absence of reliable refrigeration and transport systems.
“Our platform uses innovative business models and technology to link supply and demand in the fish and chicken value chains,” said Francis Nderitu, CEO of KIC. “By leveraging both off-grid and on-grid cold storage facilities, we’re able to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure consistent market access for producers.”
KIC’s Markiti platform integrates solar-powered coolers, hybrid refrigerated trucks, and real-time logistics tracking to optimize the movement of perishable goods. According to Nderitu, this approach has improved supply chain efficiency by up to 98%, increased incomes for producers, and reduced carbon emissions by 51%.
The investment from GIF will support the development of a new solar-powered cold chain hub and the expansion of regional distribution centers. These facilities are expected to significantly enhance KIC’s ability to serve rural and peri-urban communities, where cold chain infrastructure is often lacking.
“This deal is aligned with how GIF is increasingly focusing our investment strategy on innovating for climate adaptation and resilience,” said Dianah Irungu, Investment Associate at GIF and lead on the transaction. “KIC’s model not only reduces food waste and greenhouse gas emissions but also provides a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to traditional cold storage systems.”
By addressing both economic and environmental challenges, KIC is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s emerging climate-smart logistics sector. The company’s work supports broader goals of food security, rural development, and inclusive trade — all critical components of sustainable growth in the region.
This investment underscores GIF’s commitment to backing high-impact innovations that improve lives in low-income communities while advancing climate resilience and economic inclusion.
