Synnefa, a Kenyan agri-tech startup specializing in smart farming technologies, has secured a $300,000 grant from the World Resources Institute's Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) initiative.
The grant, awarded in partnership with Solidaridad, will enable Synnefa to deploy IoT-powered solar dryers across Kenya, helping farmers combat post-harvest losses and boost productivity.
Founded in 2019 by Stanley Kirui, Synnefa develops Smart Greenhouses, FarmShield IoT, FarmCloud, and Smart Solar Dryers -- solutions that promote efficient water use and sustainable agriculture. The company has already reached over 7,000 farmers nationwide.
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Key Takeaways
The grant will help Synnefa roll out IoT-enabled solar dryers to 800 smallholder farmers in Makueni County, reducing drying times from several weeks to just 2-3 days and preventing large-scale food waste. The technology supports a wide range of crops, including coffee, fruits, grains, and vegetables, enabling farmers to improve yields and product quality. By integrating real-time IoT monitoring, the dryers optimize solar energy use and temperature control, helping farmers adapt to climate challenges. Synnefa, a 2022 recipient of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund for Africa, aims to raise $2 million in seed funding by 2026 to scale operations to 150,000 farmers across East Africa. The P4G partnership positions Synnefa as a leading player in Africa's climate-smart agriculture movement, combining green innovation with digital precision to empower smallholder farmers and enhance food security.
