Renewable-powered distribution network takes off in Kenya

In a landmark initiative for climate resilience and food security in Africa, Kenyan electric mobility company Roam and solar-powered refrigeration systems and logistics innovator, Keep It Cool, have partnered to launch food distribution network that runs entirely on renewable energy.

Roam's electric motorcycles, developed with key input from Chinese electric mobility partners, are assembled in Kenya using China-supplied lithium batteries and other key electronic subsystems.

The initiative unveiled on Thursday will deploy Roam electric motorcycles to support last-mile deliveries, aiming to address post-harvest food losses — one of East Africa's most pressing challenges.

The electric two-wheelers will support part of Keep It Cool's daily delivery of over 250,000 kg of fresh produce to more than 4,000 small businesses and 40 supermarkets in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and other major cities in the country.

"Each motorcycle can carry up to 240 kg and cuts fuel and maintenance costs by up to 75 percent compared to traditional petrol-powered boda boda – referring to motorcycle taxi services," Elijah Gakomo, sales executive at Roam, said.

He noted that the partnership demonstrates how clean transport can deliver real impact — reducing emissions, lowering costs and strengthening local supply chains.

"Our collaboration with Chinese firms has been instrumental in ensuring high-quality, affordable electric mobility solutions for African markets," Gakomo said.

Keep It Cool, a Kenyan social enterprise, operates solar-powered cold rooms near fishing ports, hybrid delivery trucks, and a digital platform that connects small-scale producers directly to buyers - eliminating middlemen and stabilizing incomes.

"With Roam's electric motorcycles now delivering the final mile, our system is 100 percent clean — from harvest to market," said Abigail Gichigi, Keep It Cool's operations director.

"This scale-up is possible thanks to strategic partnerships — both local and international — that make solar and electric logistics affordable and accessible," Gichigi added.

Since its establishment, Keep It Cool has helped more than 5,600 fisherfolk increase their incomes by over 15 percent and prevented the spoilage of more than 1.5 million kilograms of food.

"Each year, we are saving nearly 400 tons of fish that would otherwise end up in landfills. With Roam, we are accelerating our impact — delivering tangible benefits for both people and the planet," Gichigi said.