In Kenya, the agricultural sector is the heartbeat of the economy.  From the vibrant flower farms of Naivasha to the avocado orchards of Murang'a, the journey from farm to fork - or farm to flight - is a race against time.  

The biggest hurdle?  

Maintaining an unbroken cold chain in an environment where grid power can be unreliable and transport routes often lead into remote, off-grid areas.

For reefer operators, a power outage is an inconvenience and it represents a significant risk to the cargo's integrity.  Almar Kenya provides the mobile power solutions needed to keep your cargo chilled, regardless of the destination or the stability of the local grid.

Solving the Power Gap: Reefer Gensets.

A refrigerated container (reefer) is only as good as the power source keeping its compressors running.  While reefers are designed to plug into the grid at ports or depots, they lose that lifeline the moment they hit the road or move to a rural site.

Almar Kenya offers Clip-on Reefer Gensets on a rental basis - a portable, diesel-powered solution designed to mount directly onto the container.  These units act as a dedicated power plant for your reefer, ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods stay at their optimum set point from the moment they are loaded until they reach their final destination

Reliability for the Cold Chain.

Navigating the logistics of perishable cargo requires equipment as rugged as the Kenyan terrain.  Our genset solutions support your cold chain by offering:

• Total Flexibility: You are no longer tied to a specific location or electrical connection.  Whether you are setting up temporary cold storage in a remote area or transporting horticulture to Mombasa, our gensets provide the freedom to operate anywhere.
• Uncompromised Security: Our units provide 460v of continuous power.  This consistent output is vital for sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals or high-value flowers, where even a slight temperature fluctuation can lead to a rejected shipment.
• The Industry’s Youngest Fleet: Reliability is at the core of our service.  We maintain the youngest reefer genset fleet in the industry, featuring the Carrier RG 15 Power Line.  These units are built with direct injection engines designed to handle rugged operating environments and long-haul journeys.

Technical Excellence Built for the Road.

Our primary rental unit, the Carrier RG 15 Clip-on Genset, is engineered for high performance and ease of use:

Efficiency for the Operator:

We understand that loading windows are tight.  These units feature a pin-mounting bracket design that allows for attachment or disconnection in just minutes.  Additionally, the in-air intake manifold heater ensures the engine starts reliably even during chilly early mornings in the highlands, keeping your operators in control.

Partnering with Almar.

At Almar, our goal is to simplify your logistics by providing a bridge between your product and the global market.  With our depots in Mombasa and Nairobi, we are strategically positioned to support your operations across East Africa.

Whether you need a short-term rental for a seasonal peak or a long-term solution for a remote project, we have the fleet and the expertise to keep your cold chain moving.

Refrigerated containers - or reefers - are built to work hard.  They're designed to keep your products at the right temperature, no matter what the Kenyan weather brings.  But just like any piece of equipment, they need care and sometimes, things don't go as planned.

So, what happens if your reefer stops cooling properly, or you notice an error on the control panel while it's on rent?

We've made sure you're never left to figure it out on your own.

Support - Just a Call Away.

Every reefer container we provide comes with a clearly displayed technical support number - printed right on the unit.  If you ever experience a fault, power issue, or anything that doesn't look right, simply call that number.

Our technicians are always ready to help with troubleshooting and remote guidance.  When needed, we'll send someone to your site to get your unit running again as quickly as possible.

We understand that downtime can mean lost stock or disrupted operations.  That's why we've built our service around being there when you need us most - fast, responsive and straightforward.

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Reefer in Top Shape.

While we're here whenever you need support, a few simple habits can help keep your reefer running smoothly throughout the rental period:

Check and log temperatures daily.

Keep a quick record of your container's temperature readings.  This helps you spot any changes early and gives our team valuable information if support is needed.

Wash the condenser coil weekly.

Dust and debris can build up, especially in outdoor environments.  A quick clean of the coil keeps airflow efficient and cooling consistent.

Remove ice build-up monthly.

If frost starts forming inside, it can restrict airflow and affect temperature performance.  Defrosting periodically keeps your reefer efficient and reliable.

Peace of Mind with Every Rental.

We partner with you to solve challenges quickly and effectively, ensuring your cold storage runs smoothly.

Need reliable cold storage on-site? Get in touch with us to explore flexible reefer rental options that keep your business moving - confidently and without interruption.

Maintaining Product Quality from Catch to Market with Container - Based Cold Storage

In the fishing industry, maintaining the right product condition after catch is critical.  Once fish are harvested, they begin to degrade quickly if not stored at the correct temperature.  Without proper cooling, this deterioration affects quality, shelf life and marketability - resulting in potential losses.

A reliable cold chain is essential.  Temperature fluctuations during transport or storage can lead to discolouration and the growth of bacteria.  For businesses handling fish and seafood, preventing these issues is a key part of operational success.

The Role of Cold Storage in the Supply Chain

Whether based along the coast or operating inland, cold storage forms a vital link between the ocean and the market.  It allows fisheries and processors to protect product quality from the time of landing through to distribution.

Refrigerated containers (reefers) help maintain consistent temperatures at every stage.  In regions with high ambient temperatures or limited infrastructure, reefers offer a dependable way to preserve product integrity and reduce waste.

Why Reefers Work for the Fishing Industry

Reefers are versatile, portable and well-suited to a variety of locations - from coastal landing sites to inland processing hubs.  

Their key benefits include:

• Consistent temperature control, even in harsh environments
• Weather-resistant exteriors, suitable for remote or outdoor use
• Flexible placement, with no permanent infrastructure required
• Almar's Short- and long-term rental options, depending on operational needs
• They’re ideal for keeping fish at the correct holding temperature before distribution, export, or processing.

Supporting Efficiency and Product Quality

As the fishing sector becomes more competitive, product quality and traceability are increasingly under scrutiny.  Cold storage is no longer just a supporting tool - it's a business-critical asset.  With the right systems in place, fishing operations can meet buyer expectations, reduce waste and improve profitability.

In East Africa, many fisheries and exporters are turning to container-based cold storage because of its durability, mobility and ability to perform reliably under demanding conditions.

Connect with us for more information on our cold storage solutions.

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Poor Packing Techniques can Compromise Cargo Quality

Reefer containers are vital for transporting temperature-sensitive products like fresh produce, meat, dairy and pharmaceuticals.  But even with the right equipment, poor packing techniques can compromise cargo quality and lead to profit losses.

To ensure your goods arrive in optimal condition, it’s essential to follow correct loading practices.

Here's a practical guide to help you get the most from your refrigerated container:

1. Pre-Cool Both Cargo and Container.

Why It Matters:

Reefer containers are designed to maintain a set temperature - not to cool warm cargo.  If products are loaded while still warm, it can take longer to stabilise the internal environment, increasing the risk of spoilage.

Best Practices:

• Pre-cool goods to the required temperature before loading.
• Make sure the container is set to the correct temperature beforehand.
• Avoid leaving container doors open unnecessarily during loading.
• Don’t overload the reefer with warm produce directly from the field or facility.

2. Manage Airflow Effectively.

Why It Matters:

Consistent airflow is critical for even temperature distribution inside the reefer.  Blockages or poor stacking can result in uneven cooling and hot spots.

Best Practices:

• Place cargo on pallets or dunnage to allow airflow beneath.
• Keep vents clear and avoid packing items tightly against the container walls.
• Leave small spaces between cargo stacks to support air circulation.
• Do not block the T-bar floor - it’s essential for airflow under and around the load.
• Pack cargo up to the end of the container (near the rear doors) to support airflow return.

3. Tailor Your Packing to the Type of Cargo.

Frozen Goods:

• Stack cargo tightly to allow air to move through the load.
• Minimise gaps to maintain a uniform temperature.
• Use dividers to prevent load shifting during transport.

Chilled Goods:

• Air should circulate around the cargo, not through it.
• Avoid overloading the container, which restricts airflow.
• Never block the floor channels or side walls, as they help with temperature consistency.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-cool both your products and the container before loading.
• Maintain clear airflow paths by using pallets and careful stacking.
• Adjust your packing method based on whether goods are frozen or chilled.
• Monitor temperatures throughout the journey to ensure consistent performance.

Need help choosing or loading the right reefer container? Contact our team for expert support and dependable cold storage solutions.

www.almar.co.ke

Keeping Products Cold Without Electricity

In many parts of the world, keeping goods cold isn’t just about convenience - it’s about survival and quality.  

Whether it’s fresh produce, medical supplies, or stock for your store, reliable cold storage is key.

But what happens when power isn’t guaranteed?

That’s where Almar's Solar Chiller makes all the difference.  

Built to handle the real challenges faced in off-grid or areas where the power is unstable, this container delivers dependable, eco-friendly cooling exactly where it’s needed.

Made for Practical, Everyday Use.

Almar's solar-powered chiller runs between +4°C and +10°C, with a solid 30 hours of backup power, so you don’t have to worry about the lights (or temperature) going out.

With a 22 CBM capacity, it offers plenty of room to keep things cool and safe.  Plus, it’s mobile and easy to set up, whether you’re in a rural field, outside a clinic, or running an event.

From reducing food waste and protecting your inventory, to cutting down on generator fuel and emissions, this solution helps you save on operating costs and environmental impact.

It's a smarter, cleaner way to store what matters most - without compromising on quality.

https://almarcontainergroup.com/ke/contact-us/

Mombasa Branch Introduces Reefer Plug Points

The Mombasa Branch has introduced a new service offering to benefit customers with refrigerated (reefer) containers.  With the addition of an Empty Handler and Reefer Plug Points, the branch now offers a critical service to ensure the continuous cooling of perishable goods.

 

The new service allows reefers to be plugged in at the Mombasa Branch, ensuring that perishable cargo remains at the required temperature even if there are delays in transportation due to traffic or congestion at the harbour, for example.  This service is particularly important for goods that require swift and careful handling, such as fruits, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals.

By providing this service, the Mombasa Branch is helping to minimize the risk of spoilage and damage to perishable goods, resulting in cost savings and reduced losses for customers.  

 

This addition demonstrates Almar Containers' commitment to supporting the needs of its customers and enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain.

Almar Kenya offers dry (conventional) and refrigerated shipping container rental which can be beneficial for a variety of reasons as per below:

Container Rental is Cost-effective

Shipping container rental is often a more cost-effective solution compared to buying them, especially if you only require them for a limited period of time. Renting a container eliminates the need for a larger upfront investment and allows you to allocate your funds to other essential financial outlays of your business or project.

Container Rental is Flexible

Container rental provides flexibility in terms of the number of containers you require and how long you need them for. You can rent containers for as long as you need them – weeks, months, or even years. You can also adjust the number of containers rented based on your changing needs. This adaptability is particularly valuable for temporary projects, during construction, and events for businesses with fluctuating demands.

Quick and Easy Setup

Containers are portable and can be delivered to your desired location. Conventional containers also known as dry shipping containers are ready to use upon arrival, requiring minimal setup time and effort. This is particularly advantageous for on-site offices, storage facilities, or temporary accommodation where time is of the essence.

Below are a few simple guidelines that need to be followed for refrigerated container rental: 

• The site needs to be level and built from a suitable material that will prevent the container from sinking into the ground. It is important to make sure that the front and back of the unit are level and that the doors are perfectly square. Unalignment will cause doors to stick and make opening them difficult. 
• A slight fall towards the door end will facilitate the cleaning of the interior of the unit with a high-pressure water sprayer when required. This allows water to run freely from the unit when cleaning the interior. 
• When placing the container in a confined area, please leave at least a 1-meter gap between any wall and the machinery end of the container. This will allow the container to cool properly as the heat will be able to be removed efficiently saving you electrical consumption. 

The Versatility of Container Rental

Containers are versatile and can serve various purposes. Dry shipping containers can be used for storage, transportation, offices, retail spaces, housing, events, security structures, and more. Container rental allows you to leverage their functionality for specific projects without committing to long-term ownership. 

Maintenance and Support for Refrigerated Containers: 

When renting a refrigerated container from Almar Kenya we implement bi-annual services which include:

• pre-trip inspection, 
• the calibrating of configurations and settings, 
• fault finding, and rectification,
• physical cleaning of the containers takes place along with 
• the replacement of parts that may be faulty and 
• the updating of electrical software
• pressure cleaning the condenser coil.

Container Rental is Scalable

If your business expands or your needs change over time, container rental allows you to easily scale up and down as required. You can adjust the number of rented containers to match your evolving requirements without being constrained by owning a fixed number of units. 

Shipping containers offer a cost-effective, flexible, and convenient solution for a wide range of applications, making them the ideal choice for your business or personal use. For more information on container rental email sales.ke@almar.co.ke or phone +254 719 675 272.

Almar East Africa implements regular maintenance on their refrigerated container and reefer genset fleets to ensure that they are in optimum condition for our customers.

Refrigerated Containers, also known as reefers, come in 6m and 12m sizes and are a mobile and secure cold storage solution. Services are done bi-annually and include pre-trip inspection, the calibrating of configurations and settings, fault finding, and rectification. Physical cleaning of the containers takes place along with the replacement of parts that may be faulty and the updating of electrical software.

Almar's reefers keep your contents at a consistent temperature ranging between -25°C and +25°C. The temperature can be adjusted and controlled to within 0.3°C of the required set point and require a three-phase 380v power supply. A reefer is the quickest means of obtaining bulk cold storage. The container can be placed close to where the end product needs to be, in turn saving you transportation costs. All Almar refrigerated containers are Carrier, a world-leading brand in container refrigeration.

Clip-on reefer Gensets are diesel generators used to power refrigerated containers. They are offered on a rental basis for running reefers in remote locations, or alternatively for reefers on trucks for the transportation of perishable cargo.

They are easy and fast to start. The powerline start/stop switch is easily accessible, and the in-air intake manifold heater allows for fast starting and trouble-free operation, even at low ambient temperatures. Attaching and disconnecting the generator takes just minutes as the pin mounting bracket design saves time. The self-aligning ratcheted clamp locks allow safe, secure attachment to corner castings.

The servicing and maintenance of Gensets, which is implemented every 2000 to 3000 hours, includes preventative and routine checks, setting adjustments for voltage, current, and frequency for standard reefer loading capacity. Physical cleaning of the body and engine and engine test for load, compression, and continuous performance was also conducted.

For more information on reefers, Gensets, or any of Almar’s container products please phone Almar East Africa at +254 719 675 272.