Kenya Railways on Wednesday, March 19 announced the introduction of reefer wagons as improvements to the transportation of perishable cargo.
In a statement, Kenya Railways revealed that the new wagons were meant to improve the transportation of fresh produce to the port of Mombasa before heading to Europe.
“KR has introduced Reefer wagons deployed to facilitate transportation of perishable cargo,” Kenya Railways stated.
“Fresh produce/perishables can now be collected from various Fresh Produce Consolidation Centres, transported via rail to the Port of Mombasa for onward transportation via sea to Europe,” KR added.
The wagons, which were unveiled in the presence of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, were a product of a government initiative aimed at facilitating transportation of fresh produce in Kenya and within the East African region.
“This development is as a result of the Kenyan government's commitment to creating a Cool Logistics Corridor facilitating transportation of fresh farm produce/perishables to and from the East African region and Kenya's hinterland, a move that will greatly boost the horticulture sector,” noted KR.
A reefer wagon is a specialized railcar designed for transporting perishable goods under controlled temperatures, using advanced refrigeration systems and high-quality insulation. Modern models offer humidity control, multi-compartment designs, and real-time IoT monitoring for optimal cargo protection.
These reefer wagons are equipped with GPS tracking, automated alerts, and energy-efficient technologies such as solar-assisted power, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Additionally, advanced security measures, including biometric access and fire suppression systems, ensure enhanced cargo safety.
Reefer wagons cost between $100,000 (Ksh12M) and $1,000,000, (Ksh129M) with significant operational expenses. Despite the high investment, they are crucial for cold chain logistics, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of sensitive goods worldwide.
The presence of the Dutch royalty could be pointed towards the recent signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Kenya and the Netherlands in the areas of trade, tourism and agriculture.
On trade, the two countries signed an agreement establishing the Joint Rate Committee on Trade and Investment. This deal establishes a platform for ongoing dialogue between Kenya’s Ministry of Trade and its Dutch counterpart. In addition, the committee will boost trade and investment opportunities and foster economic collaboration between the two nations.
The agreement on agriculture aimed to establish the Terms of Reference for the Agriculture Working Group, setting the foundation for a cooperative framework to advance agricultural priorities in Kenya. Under this partnership, both parties will focus on innovation and sustainable practices to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector.
