Baridi receives 1,000-litre solar-powered milk chillers to boost dairy sector

KENYA – Baridi, a Kenyan startup focused on providing off-grid solar cooling solutions, has received five 1,000-litre Solar Bulk Milk Chillers from Inficold. 

The initiative is part of the “Harvesting Green Energy for Smallholder Farmers” project, a groundbreaking effort to strengthen the dairy cold chain across the country. 

Supported by the Shell Foundation, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, and Mastercard Foundation, the initiative aims to transform how milk is stored and preserved for smallholder farmers.

The solar-powered chillers are being installed in dairy cooperatives throughout Kenya, bringing sustainable and affordable cooling to rural areas. 

By using solar energy and advanced thermal storage technology, these units provide reliable off-grid refrigeration. 

This reduces reliance on expensive and unreliable electricity, ensuring milk stays fresh longer. According to Baridi, the chillers will help farmers cut losses from spoilage and improve the quality of milk delivered to markets.

The project addresses a key challenge in Kenya’s dairy sector, where lack of proper cooling has long affected smallholder farmers. 

With these new units, cooperatives can now store larger volumes of milk efficiently. 

A report by Inficold highlights that the chillers are designed to operate in tough conditions, making them ideal for remote areas with limited infrastructure. 

The company, known for its innovative cold chain solutions, has already made an impact in other countries like India, where similar systems support farmers.

Baridi’s efforts align with Kenya’s push for green energy and food security. The Shell Foundation, a key partner, praised the initiative for its focus on sustainability. 

“This project shows how renewable energy can solve real problems for farmers,” said a spokesperson from the foundation. 

Meanwhile, the Co-operative Bank of Kenya and Mastercard Foundation have provided crucial funding to realise this vision, emphasizing their commitment to empowering rural communities.

Farmers are already expressing optimism about the change. 

“Before, we lost so much milk because of heat. Now, we can keep it fresh and sell more,” said Jane Wambui, a dairy farmer from Kiambu County. 

The installation process is underway, with plans to monitor the chillers’ impact over the coming months. 

Reported by industry experts, this could pave the way for more solar-powered solutions in Kenya’s agriculture sector.

This collaboration between Baridi, Inficold, and their partners marks a turning point for Kenya’s dairy industry. It not only boosts farmers’ incomes but also sets a model for sustainable innovation. 

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