On March 19, 2025, the King of the Netherlands His Majesty Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima toured the Naivasha Inland Container Depot and witnessed as Kenya Railways marked a remarkable milestone in development of a Cool Logistics Corridor.

The Corporation has introduced Reefer wagons which will be used to transport Reefer containers via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR. These are special type of containers designed for storage and transportation of fresh produce and perishables.

With a total of 4 powerhouses to cool the containers, our fleet of 16 wagons can now carry up to 32 TEUs in Reefer units, ensuring flexibility for transport. This initiative promises to enhance sustainability, optimize logistics, and significantly boost the horticulture industry in the East African region and Kenya’s hinterland. Fresh produce/perishables can now be collected from various Fresh Produce Consolidation Centres, transported via rail from Naivasha and Nairobi Inland Container Depots to the Port of Mombasa for onward transportation via sea to Europe and other destinations.

Speaking at the event, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to infrastructure development in support of regional and international trade.

“Towards the realization of a fully functional Cool Logistic Corridor, I take this opportunity to assure you that in the last ten years, the Government of Kenya has made great strides in rehabilitating, upgrading and developing infrastructure along the Northern Corridor and at the Port of Mombasa in order to facilitate regional and international trade. In regard to the transport infrastructure, I confirm that the Standard Gauge Railway network from Mombasa to Naivasha has the capacity and speed required to transport fresh produce to the port of Mombasa from any Consolidation Centre around Naivasha and Nairobi.  In addition, I also confirm that Port of Mombasa and Embakasi ICD have adequate Reefer points for supporting refrigeration of the fresh produce.”

The Netherlands remains one of Kenya’s top trade and investment partners. Since independence, the Netherlands has been among the top global destinations for Kenyan goods and the largest in Europe. The development of rail and sea cool logistics infrastructure is critical to Kenya’s position in global value chains on the African continent, as logistics are a key driver for trade. This position is crucial as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) gains traction.

The royal visit reaffirmed the strong trade partnership between Kenya and the Netherlands, while showcasing Kenya’s commitment to modernizing its logistics and transport sector. With the continued development of the Cool Logistics Corridor, Kenya is poised to establish itself as a leading hub for fresh produce exports to international markets.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir hosted the visiting delegation which included Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Hon. Mutahi Kagwe and Transport PS Mr. Mohamed Daghar, CBS. Also present were Kenya Railways Managing Director Mr. Philip Mainga, EBS and Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Capt. William Ruto.