Dennis Karema’s SokoFresh Revolutionizes Cold Storage for 100 Million African Farmers
SokoFresh, led by Dennis Karema, uses solar-powered cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses, expanding across 17 Kenyan counties and into Africa.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 19, 2026
2 min read
Dennis Karema, co-founder and CEO of SokoFresh, is on a mission to transform African agriculture by tackling post-harvest losses through innovative cold storage solutions. Inspired by childhood memories of his grandmother’s tea leaves spoiling in Murang’a, Karema has built a business that now serves nearly 20,000 farmers across Kenya and beyond.
From Personal Experience to Pan-African Impact
Though his academic background is in computer science from Kenyatta University, Karema’s entrepreneurial drive led him to focus on scaling impactful solutions. After earning an MBA from the University of Nairobi and working with global venture builder Enviu, he identified critical gaps in agricultural value chains, particularly the need for accessible cold storage combined with reliable market access.
Innovative Solar-Powered Cold Storage
Founded in 2019, SokoFresh designs and deploys solar-powered mobile cold rooms assembled in Kiambu County. Each unit can store up to 5,000 kilograms of produce and operates independently of grid electricity, making it ideal for rural areas. The company offers flexible storage options, including monthly leases and pay-per-kilogram models, allowing smallholder farmers to share space efficiently.
Leveraging Internet of Things technology, each cold room is remotely monitored and managed, enabling timely maintenance and reducing downtime without the need for on-site technicians.
Lessons in Adaptation and Growth
- Initial attempts to serve the fishing industry around Lake Victoria revealed insufficient volume, prompting a pivot to poultry farming.
- Global shipping challenges in 2024 forced SokoFresh to redirect avocado exports from the EU to the UAE, where shorter transit times preserved fruit quality.
Regional Expansion and Economic Impact
Beyond Kenya’s 17 counties, SokoFresh has expanded into Seychelles, Madagascar, Uganda, and Ethiopia, with interest from West African partners. The company creates 300 to 500 direct annual jobs in harvesting, logistics, and cold storage operations, alongside a core team of 24 corporate staff.
Scaling for the Future
Karema acknowledges early challenges, including a slow start due to market education and his own hesitation to think big. Today, SokoFresh aims to install 1,000 cold rooms across Africa by 2030, representing a $30 million investment in agricultural infrastructure.
“Building for scale means not just solving a problem but reaching millions to create lasting impact,” Karema says, underscoring his vision to revolutionize food systems and empower smallholder farmers continent-wide.
