Foundation in Cold-Chain - Kenya
Cold-chains are critical infrastructure, vital for a well-functioning society and economy
Introduction
African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), who are partners of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold- chain (ACES) invites applications for its next upcoming Foundation in Cold-Chain Training programme. We are seeking committed participants keen to expand their knowledge in food and pharmaceutical supply chains, apply this knowledge to their current activities, and commit to the five-day duration and activities.
Cold-chains are critical infrastructure, vital for a well-functioning society and economy. They underpin our access to safe, nutritious food and healthcare, while also driving economic growth and promoting socioeconomic development. Furthermore, the presence or absence of cold-chain infrastructure has implications for global climate change and the environment. However, cold-chains are complex, multi-dimensional, temperature-controlled supply chains that must maintain perishable and temperature-sensitive products (food and healthcare) at optimal environmental conditions from farm to fork, preventing product losses and ensuring safety.
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold- chain (ACES) is an independent, non-profit academic-led Institute established to spearhead the development and roll-out of affordable, sustainable, resilient, and equitable cooling and cold-chain solutions for agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and health sectors in Africa. The programme is a collaborative effort between the UK, EU, and African Universities, UNEP, ACTS, industry and global partners, supported by the Governments of the UK and Rwanda. This Centre of Excellence is supported by the Clean Cooling Network a global programme of regional Centres of Excellence to increase access to resilient, efficient and climate-friendly cooling and cold-chain for all.
Programme Dates
Course Fees
1st December - 5th December 2025
Konza Technopolis, Konza, Kenya
- Apply using the online application form before 15th November 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be notified by November 15th, 2025.
This course will be held in Nairobi Kenya. For further enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Course Description
In partnership with ACES, ACTS aims to spearhead the adoption of energy-efficient and climate-friendly integrated community cooling, cold-chain, and postharvest management technologies and strategies, using cold-chains as the foundation to meet the social and development goals of rural communities, including health cold-chains in Kenyan communities. ACTS targets to empower farmers to increase export revenues, enhance job creation, reduce malnutrition, and enhance food safety, with sustainable business models that attract investment, mitigate climate and environmental impacts, and foster low-carbon development. ACES is establishing Specialised Outreach and Knowledge Establishments (SPOKEs) in strategic locations, with expertise tailored to specific areas (e.g. value chain opportunities suited to local communities) with a goal to demonstrate how these solutions can be deployed practically across the continent. The first of these is in Kenya. The SPOKEs will exchange best practices and lessons learned through the ACES hub, creating a connected and cohesive network.
ACES has developed a foundation course that aims to transfer knowledge control of basic concepts in food and pharma cold chains. The aim of this course is to provide participants with a solid and comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, skills, and knowledge required within the food and pharma cold chains. The foundation course serves as a building block, preparing individuals for more advanced and specialised studies or practical applications. It is delivered by academic and industry partners.
Syllabus Outline
Topics to be covered are
- Cold-Chains – what are they?
- Cold-Chains – why are they needed?
- Cold-Chains – environmental impacts and risks
- Cold-Chains and food/pharma – needs assessment
- Postharvest management: biology of fresh produce
- Postharvest management: pre-cooling
- Cold-chain and refrigeration techniques and refrigerant choices
- Industry training programmes
- Market connectivity: logistics, including transport
- Telemetrics and data logging
- Measuring quality
- Cold chain requirements for the storage and transportation of vaccines
- Regulatory compliance and quality, and safety control
- The business model imperative
A site visit to showcase real-world scenarios is included in this course.
We are seeking dedicated participants from diverse sectors, such as county governments, community workers, leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and impact investors. Those with an interest in improving the sustainability of food and pharmaceutical supply chains, and reducing losses are encouraged to apply.
Participants should be committed to applying the knowledge gained to their current roles and responsibilities and must be available to fully engage in the entire course duration and its activities. We encourage participants from diverse backgrounds, needs, interests and capacities to apply. We aim to consider gender differences, as well as differences based on your specific interests and current needs, which may vary depending on your age, education level, income, and current roles, etc. Additionally, we would like to know if there are training schedules and arrangements that better suit your current professional and personal responsibilities. We will make every effort to accommodate these differences to a possible extent.
Candidate Selection
Essential Criteria
- Applicants should have a good understanding of English and proficiency
with the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. - Capacity to use computer applications, such as Word and Excel.
- Motivation to understand and develop cold-chains that contribute to local and export markets.
- The ability to identify challenges faced by farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the cold chain in Kenya and to develop practical solutions is highly valuable and desirable.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working with farmers or rural communities, demonstrating previous connections with cooperatives and extension organisations.
- Experience working with diverse communities from different sectors, including different genders, cultures, ages, classes, ethnicities, and education levels will be appreciated.
How To Apply
The training will be held at Nairobi and will last for 5 days from 1st to 5th December 2025.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications online or before 15th November 2025, 1700Hrs EAT. For any enquiries about this call, kindly contact [email protected].
All data collected will be handled in line with Kenya’s Data protection Act. ACES is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its operations. We strongly encourage women to apply.