Francis Nderitu, founder of Keep IT Cool, is helping small-scale farmers and fishers in Kenya preserve their crops and fish through an eco-friendly invention.
Francis is a Kenyan entrepreneur who set out to find a way to support small farmers and fishers in keeping their products fresh. Through his company, Keep IT Cool, he installs solar-powered cold storage units in villages and fishing ports. These special refrigerators help keep fruits, vegetables, and fish fresh for longer, reducing spoilage and food waste. This way, fishers and farmers can sell their products in better condition without worrying about losses due to heat.
Recently, Keep IT Cool won the prestigious Earthshot Prize in the « Build a Waste-Free World » category, an international award founded by Prince William. This £1 million prize will allow Francis and his team to expand their work across East Africa, with plans to support poultry farmers as well.
For Francis, this award is a big step toward his dream of making the food supply chain more eco-friendly and resilient to the effects of climate change. He hopes that small farmers and fishers will have access to the same technology as large companies, helping them protect and improve their livelihoods.
