Keep IT Cool has been named one of the top three finalists in the prestigious Earthshot Prize for the “Build a Waste-Free World” category. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to reducing food waste and providing sustainable protein sources across East Africa. By using renewable energy and an innovative cold chain distribution platform, Keep IT Cool has reduced its carbon footprint by over 50%, demonstrating the power of technology in addressing environmental challenges.

From First Mile to Last Mile: Keeping It Cool for Fish Farmers

Keep IT Cool’s cold chain solutions span the entire supply chain, from fishermen at landing sites to urban and rural retailers. The company provides affordable cooler boxes and ice flakes at the first mile, hybrid trucks for logistics in the middle mile, and refrigeration services for retailers in the last mile.

Impact on Protein Delivery, Income, and Waste Reduction

By mid-2024, Keep IT Cool’s model has supplied over 1,965 metric tons of fresh fish and poultry, equivalent to 4.9 million meals. The company’s partnerships with 4,650 fishers, 81 fish farms, and 205 poultry farms have increased incomes by 20%. Additionally, it has maintained relationships with 2,706 retailers, supporting 350 of them with freezers. Notably, Keep IT Cool has reduced carbon emissions by 51% (69 tCO2e) and post-harvest fish losses by up to 50%.

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Waste Reduction and Job Creation

Through its waste reduction efforts, Keep IT Cool diverted over 96 tons of fish offcuts from landfills by Q3 2024, with 79 tons benefiting women retailers and 17 tons upcycled into chicken feed and manure. The company has also created 100 direct jobs and over 500 indirect jobs for youth in the region, positively impacting 31,550 livelihoods.