Kenyan Start-Up Transforms Plastic Waste into Solar-Powered Freezers

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In Mombasa, Kenya, a remarkable initiative is underway to combat two pressing issues facing the country: plastic waste, food security and environmental pollution. Kuza Freezer, a Kenyan start-up, is turning plastic waste into solar-powered freezers, providing cold storage solutions to small-scale businesses in the fish value chain while simultaneously addressing the challenge of plastic waste pollution.

The process begins on the shores of a Mombasa beach, where a group of women collect plastic waste destined for landfill sites. This waste is then sold to Kuza Freezer, where it undergoes a transformation. Employees break down the plastic waste into pellets before molding it into innovative cold storage units.

Kenyan Start-Up Transforms Plastic Waste into Solar-Powered Freezers

Each Kuza Freezer comes equipped with a battery that can be charged using a solar panel. With just a two-hour charge, the freezer can operate for up to seven hours, providing essential cold storage for perishable goods. Purity Gakuo, CEO of Kuza Freezer, explains the company’s mission: “We are focused on providing cold storage solutions to small-scale businesses in the fish value chain and enabling them to sustainably improve their income and reduce post-harvest losses.”

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Kenyan Start-Up Transforms Plastic Waste into Solar-Powered FreezersFor three years, Kuza Freezer has been delivering these eco-friendly machines to customers across Kenya. From fish traders to poultry and milk vendors, the freezers have found diverse applications in various industries. The company offers a range of products, from static freezers for fishing boats to portable units that can be mounted on motorbikes, facilitating the smooth delivery of perishable goods.

Customers benefit from free installation and training, ensuring they maximize the efficiency of their new equipment. Each unit is also fitted with a tracking device, allowing Kuza Freezer to monitor its performance and provide timely maintenance when needed.

Despite the initial investment of Ksh 100,000 ($700), customers like Abdalla Ali see the value in Kuza Freezer’s innovative solution. Ali, a fisherman, highlights the challenges faced in storing and transporting fish without proper cold storage facilities, leading to significant post-harvest losses.

Plastic wasteNickson Otieno, CEO of a Nairobi-based sustainability consulting firm, emphasizes the broader impact of Kuza Freezer’s initiative. “The product addresses the challenge of food security resulting from food losses and also tackles the issue of plastic waste pollution,” says Otieno.

As Kuza Freezer continues to expand its reach and impact, it serves as a shining example of how innovative solutions can address multiple challenges simultaneously, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for Kenya and beyond.

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