In a groundbreaking move for sustainable logistics in Africa, two innovative Kenyan startups—Roam and Keep It Cool—have partnered to unveil the continent’s first fully electric cold-chain delivery network. This pioneering initiative merges clean electric mobility with solar-powered refrigeration, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly food distribution.
Roam, a leader in electric mobility solutions tailored for the African market, has joined forces with Keep It Cool, a company revolutionizing East Africa’s food supply chains through its smart cold-chain platform, Markiti. Together, they aim to transform how perishable goods are transported across Kenya’s urban centers.
The collaboration kicks off with the integration of five Roam Air electric motorcycles into Keep It Cool’s logistics fleet. These motorcycles are now part of a system that already moves over 250,000 kilograms of fresh produce every week, serving more than 4,000 businesses in Kenya’s major cities.
The Roam Air motorcycles are designed for high efficiency and practicality. With a payload capacity of up to 240 kilograms, they offer a significant reduction in operational costs—up to 75% lower than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles. This makes them an ideal solution for last-mile delivery in urban environments, where affordability and sustainability are key.
“This partnership shows how clean transport can drive real impact—reducing emissions, cutting costs, and strengthening local supply chains,” said Elijah Gakomo, Sales Executive at Roam. “Together, we’re proving that the future of logistics in Africa is electric, efficient, and built at home.”
Keep It Cool has already made a substantial impact in reducing food waste through its investment in efficient cold storage and renewable energy. According to Abigail Gichigi, the company’s Operations Director, their efforts are saving nearly 400 tonnes of fish annually—food that would otherwise be lost to spoilage and end up in landfills.
“These innovations are making safe, affordable food distribution scalable,” Gichigi noted. “With our partnership with Roam, we’re accelerating this impact even further—delivering tangible benefits for both people and the planet.” This collaboration not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable logistics in Africa but also demonstrates the power of local innovation in solving global challenges like food security, climate change, and economic inclusion.
