CQC
Over 4 million people have died prematurely from indoor air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels in 2012.
Project Case Study - Energy
Post-harvest food losses remain a significant challenge in Kenya, particularly for small-scale farmers and processors. Traditional drying methods, often inefficient and weather-dependent, lead to food waste, reduced incomes, and food insecurity.
Recognising this issue, EnSo Impact, a UK based project developer, partnered with Free Running Buildings, a UK sustainable technology specialist, and iDE to develop an innovative thermal solar dryer.
The project aimed to provide an affordable, effective, and scalable drying solution, ensuring better preservation of perishable foods while reducing reliance on costly fuel-based drying methods.
Farmers and processors struggle to preserve produce effectively, leading to economic losses and food shortages.
Traditional sun-drying exposes food to contamination, while electric dryers are costly and inaccessible in many rural areas.
This project showcases the power of international collaboration, combining advanced research with local expertise to create real-world impact.”
To address these challenges, the team followed a user-centred, iterative design process. This Innovate UK sponsored research initiative saw EnSo collaborate with their sister company in Nairobi and local Kenyan manufacturers to develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Initial designs were tested in both controlled and real-world environments.
Kenyan engineers and farmers provided insights to refine the dryers for practicality and efficiency.
Final Product Versions:
Being part of this innovation has helped us grow our Kenyan business, develop the product through real-life experiences and provide solutions tailored to our local market.
Ronald Osoro,
EnSo Engineer
Initially trialled and installed at the Maendeleo Upesi farmers’ group in May 2024, the system leverages:
A double-skin roof collects solar heat.
Solar PV and battery storage power the system, including low-voltage heaters and air circulation fans.
Aligns with the Kenyan government’s climate goals by introducing a low energy passive air-cooling technology that reduces losses and adds value to chillies and other produce.
The solar dryer has transformed our cooperative. We now preserve more produce and sell at better prices.
Maendeleo Upesi Farmer
Manufacturing and deployment of the dryers create employment opportunities within Kenyan communities.
Farmers and food processors gain higher incomes by improving the quality, value-addition and shelf-life of their products.
The dryers significantly decrease post-harvest losses, preserving more produce for sale and consumption.
Solar-powered drying reduces dependence on firewood and fossil fuels, making the process eco-friendly.
Ideal for a range of crops, including drying fruits, vegetables, cereals, and herbs.
Based on the real-world experiences gleaned from the prototype design and initial deployments, EnSo is building on this knowledge base with enhanced product versions.
IoT-enabled sensors to provide real-time monitoring, alerts, data tracking, and CRM integration for enhanced drying control and business insights.
Using a ‘flat-pack’ ready-assemble model to simplify design, build and installation.
The success in Eldoret has sparked interest from local farmers and the broader agricultural community. Two new mid-range dryers are being manufactured in Nairobi ready for customer installation in Q1/2 2025.
The technology’s adaptability to value chains like Moringa and Mango suggests strong potential for scaling. Design iterations continue to increase performance, drive down costs and access new markets.
The solar thermal drying technology implemented in Eldoret exemplifies sustainable innovation, supporting smallholder farmers, reducing emissions, and fostering global partnerships.
With its strong scalability, the project has the potential to improve Kenyan producers’ income and build more resilient value chains, able to withstand the effects of climate-related shocks and stressors.
Over 4 million people have died prematurely from indoor air pollution caused by cooking with solid fuels in 2012.
Total value around $3.2m (Enso delivering around $700k of work). The main opportunity arising out of this is with Tamuwa
Recently IPCC Special Report has predicted a significantly adverse effect of 2°C global warming in Sub-Saharan and southern Africa and if the current trend of climate change is to be arrested, earnest global efforts are needed to address all heat generation, supply and usage processes.