STATUS, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE COLD CHAIN SYSTEM IN KENYA: THE CASE OF THE FISHERIES SECTOR IN LAMU AND MOMBASA COUNTIES

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the status, challenges and opportunities of the fishing sub-sector in Mombasa and Lamu counties in Kenya. The study examined the various opportunities cold chain have in development of the fisheries sector. The study zeroed on factors like the economic, administrative, financial, technological and cultural attributes that influence the efficiency of the cold chain. Methodology: Literature reviewed showed that shortage of reliable and adequate cold chain facilities in sub-Saharan Africa is one of the main causes of losses of perishable products however there’s little documentation of the study on the status, challenges and opportunities of cold chain technologies in the fishing sector in Kenya.  The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study focusses on 2 counties in Coastal Kenya i.e. Mombasa and Lamu Counties. The justification for selecting the 2 sites was that Lamu fisheries industry is extensive and highly developed, Lamu receives the highest number of fish harvest. Primary data was obtained through questionnaires and personal interviews. The personal interviews took 5 days in Mombasa and 5 days in Lamu. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; SPSS version 20. Results: The main result of the study was showed that cold chain is widely used and required in the advancement of fishing in all the study sites. The study also revealed that Lamu County is more dependent on cold chain for fishing to earn profit for the sector as it final market is Mombasa a distance of over 200km away. The needs of the type, capacity and partnership is different from one Beach Management Unit to the other. This is primarily due to factor such fish catch, governance dynamics, access and affordability of cold chain technology and distance to the market. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study indicated that there has been deliberate effort by the two tier government – National and County to invest in Cold chain however this has been faced with myriad challenges where this installed equipment are either not operating efficiently or have stalled. The study indicated and showed that there needs to be systematic approach when selecting and managing cold chain equipment in the fishing sector.