WHY SOLAR DRYING MATTERS IN KENYA
Post-harvest losses are one of the biggest challenges facing Kenyan farmers. According to research, Kenya loses up to 40% of its food after harvest due to poor storage, spoilage and lack of processing facilities. For a smallholder farmer, that is nearly half your income disappearing before it reaches the market.
Solar drying is one of the most practical and affordable solutions to this problem. By removing moisture from produce quickly and hygienically, solar driers extend shelf life, prevent mould and spoilage, reduce weight for easier transport and allow farmers to sell their produce at higher prices — even during off-season periods when fresh produce prices drop.
WHAT IS A SOLAR DRIER?
A solar drier is an enclosed structure that uses the heat of the sun to dry agricultural produce quickly, hygienically and efficiently. Unlike open-air sun drying — where produce is laid on the ground or on mats and exposed to dust, insects, rain and animals — a solar drier protects the produce inside a covered chamber while concentrating solar heat to speed up the drying process.
The result is cleaner, higher quality dried produce that fetches better prices in local and export markets.
WHAT WE SUPPLY
Direct Solar Driers
Simple, low-cost driers where produce is placed on drying trays inside a transparent cover that traps heat from the sun. Ideal for small-scale farmers drying small quantities of produce.
Indirect Solar Driers
More advanced driers where solar-heated air is channelled into a separate drying chamber. The produce does not come into direct contact with sunlight — making this ideal for sensitive products like herbs, spices and medicinal plants where direct UV exposure can reduce quality.
Tunnel Solar Driers
Large capacity tunnel-shaped driers suitable for cooperatives, schools and agribusinesses that need to dry significant volumes of produce. Can dry several hundred kilograms of fresh produce per batch.
Greenhouse Solar Driers
Modified greenhouse structures fitted with drying trays and ventilation systems. Suitable for farms that want a multipurpose structure that can be used for both crop production and drying.
WHAT YOU CAN DRY
Fruits
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Banana
- Papaya
- Passion fruit
- Avocado slices
- Tomatoes
- Apple and plum
Vegetables
- Kale and spinach
- Onions and garlic
- Capsicum and chillies
- Carrots and beetroot
- Peas and beans
- Pumpkin
Grains & Legumes
- Maize
- Sorghum
- Millet
- Cowpeas
- Groundnuts
- Soya beans
Animal Products
- Fish — tilapia, omena, catfish
- Meat — beef and goat jerky
Herbs & Spices
- Basil, rosemary, thyme, mint
- Ginger and turmeric
- Moringa leaves
- Medicinal herbs
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1 — Tell us what you want to dry
Share the type of produce, the quantity per batch and your location. We use this to recommend the right drier size and model for your needs.
Step 2 — We recommend a drier
Our team selects the most suitable solar drier model for your produce type, batch size and budget — and provides a full quotation.
Step 3 — Delivery to your location
Your solar drier is delivered to your farm or collection point anywhere in Kenya. Most models come flat-packed and can be assembled on site in a few hours.
Step 4 — Training & support
We provide guidance on how to prepare produce for drying, loading the drier, monitoring temperatures and packaging dried products for sale. On-site training is available on request.
