Refrigeration work in Kenya should be carried out by technicians trained in refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC). Ask whether the contractor’s technicians hold any formal qualifications or certifications. Membership of the Kenya Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (KARACP) or similar professional bodies is a positive indicator.
4. Clarify What Is Included in the Quote
A detailed quote should specify:
- Panel brand, thickness, and facing material
- Refrigeration unit brand and model number
- Refrigerant type
- Door specification including safety features
- Electrical work included or excluded
- Civil works (concrete, drainage) included or excluded
- Commissioning and testing
- Warranty period for equipment and workmanship
Vague quotes that simply list a total price without component breakdown make it impossible to compare like with like.
5. Check Warranty and After-Sales Support
Ask specifically what is covered under warranty, for how long, and what the response time is for a breakdown call-out. A cold room failure is an emergency — your contractor’s after-sales capability matters as much as their installation quality. Confirm they hold spare parts locally, particularly for the refrigeration equipment they install.
6. Get Multiple Quotes
Obtain at least three quotes for any cold room project. This is not just about finding the lowest price — it reveals the range of approaches, equipment specifications, and cost structures in the market. Significant variation in price usually reflects differences in equipment quality, not just margin.
7. Be Cautious of the Cheapest Option
Cold rooms are a long-term investment. A contractor who wins on price through thinner panels, lower-quality compressors, or cheaper refrigerant will deliver a cold room that costs more to run, breaks down more frequently, and may not maintain temperature reliably. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value over a five to ten year horizon.
Take your time selecting a contractor. The right partner will ask good questions, provide clear documentation, use quality equipment, and stand behind their work. In Kenya’s growing cold chain sector, reputable contractors exist — they just require a little diligence to find.