Kenya Railways introduces reefer wagons for perishable goods transport
This follows a major acquisition of reefer wagons with the aim of improving fresh produce exports through transportation efficiency
KENYA – Kenya Railways has acquired reefer wagons to transport perishable goods, marking a significant improvement in logistics for fresh produce exports.
The corporation confirmed this development in a statement on March 19, outlining the benefits of these specialized wagons designed to handle temperature-sensitive cargo.
“The Corporation has introduced Reefer wagons which will facilitate transportation of perishable cargo. Fresh produce/perishables can now be collected from Fresh Produce Consolidation Centres, transported via rail to the Port of Mombasa for onward transportation via sea to Europe and other destinations,” the statement read.
The acquisition of these reefer wagons is part of a broader strategy to establish a Cool Logistics Corridor, aimed at improving the efficiency of perishable goods transport across East Africa.
Kenya Railways emphasized the importance of this step in supporting the horticulture sector, a key contributor to the country’s economy.
“This is as a result of Kenya’s commitment to creating a Cool Logistics Corridor that will facilitate transportation of fresh farm produce/perishables to and from the East African region, a move that will boost the horticulture sector,” the statement added.
The newly acquired wagons come with advanced technology to maintain optimal conditions for perishable goods. “This guarantees the perishable cargo will remain fresh throughout the journey as the rolling stock includes real-time temperature monitoring systems,” Kenya Railways stated.
Early reefer wagons relied on ice for cooling, with compartments designed to hold large ice blocks to maintain a lower temperature. Advances in technology led to mechanical reefers with diesel-powered or electric refrigeration units that actively regulate temperature.
Some reefer wagons now use cryogenic cooling methods such as liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide for ultra-cold transport, while hybrid reefers combine mechanical refrigeration with alternative cooling techniques for greater efficiency.
Nairobi’s role in the perishables trade
Meanwhile, according to a recent update by Logistics Update Africa, Nairobi remains a vital logistics hub for East and Central Africa, handling 60% of port throughput and contributing over 50% to Kenya’s national economy.
The city’s infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of warehousing near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and enhanced road networks, have bolstered its capacity to support the perishables sector.
Investments in cold storage and solar-powered facilities have further strengthened the logistics chain, reducing dependency on ground handlers.
However, challenges persist, particularly in road transport, which affects the quality of exports. “If we don’t invest in better road networks and reduce transit time from farms to the airport, we will continue to lose product quality before takeoff,” warned Okisegere Ojepat of the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya.
The report emphasizes that Nairobi must continue investing in infrastructure and regulatory improvements to maintain its competitive edge as a key perishables hub.
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