UNMATCHED EXPERTISE

Azhar Rifai, a founding director of Cold Solutions Services (CSS) and based in Nairobi since 2019, joined ARCH Emerging Market Partners in 2018. He oversees the identification of strategic assets and manages the construction and operation of cold storage facilities. With over 15 years of experience in the telecoms, media, and technology industries, Azhar possesses extensive expertise in operations, special projects, and restructuring.

Recently, Azhar successfully spearheaded the design and construction of East Africa’s largest Grade A multi-purpose cold storage warehouse in Kenya, which became operational in August 2023. He is currently leading CSS teams in developing similar facilities across Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Julius is a highly experienced Civil Engineer (Structures) renowned for his outstanding achievements in overseeing the successful implementation of Infrastructure Projects. With a rich professional history extending over two decades within the construction industry, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in project management, playing a pivotal role in the triumph of esteemed endeavors such as Tatu City in Kiambu.

His extensive skill set covers a spectrum of areas including civil engineering consultancy, adept contract management, meticulous construction supervision, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers through undergraduate training. Furthermore, Julius actively engages in pioneering engineering research initiatives, showcasing his dedication to advancing the field.

Julius's proficiency extends beyond borders, as evidenced by his impactful contributions in various geographical contexts. His professional journey has taken him through the intricacies of projects not only in Kenya but also in South Africa and South Sudan. This diverse experience reflects his adaptability and competence in addressing the unique challenges posed by different regions, making him an asset in the realm of civil engineering on an international scale.

Lionel brings over 30 years of Project Management expertise to the Construction Industry, with a background spanning 15 years in South Africa, 14 years in the UAE, and 4 years in East Africa. Currently, he serves as the Technical Projects Director for "ARCH Emerging Markets Partners Limited" in Nairobi, overseeing the development of the first industrial-scale Cold Chain business in East Africa. The ambitious plan involves establishing 10 cold storage facilities across 5 countries in the next 4 years, providing 100,000 pallet positions of temperature-controlled storage to the East African market.

Before joining CSSEA, Lionel held the role of General Manager at Giolog DWC, initially serving as the Construction Project Director for Logistics Facilities. His extensive career includes roles with Energy Property Developers, Al-Futtaim Group, Carillion, and Famco.

Transitioning from a construction specialist to a logistics real estate generalist in 2013, Lionel has successfully led the construction of four cold storage facilities. Notable recent projects include Mohebi, Landmark Group, Carrefour New Distribution Centre, and CSSK TATU Cold Storage facility in Nairobi.

Currently, Lionel is actively involved in designing and budgeting for upcoming CSSK Cold Store Facilities in Mombasa, Kigali, Kampala, and Dar Es Salaam.

A highly seasoned senior project manager, David brings to the table over 13 years of unwavering expertise in Project and Construction Management. His extensive experience is notably marked by a keen focus on Project and Contract Management, emphasizing the meticulous oversight of Quality Management Systems, Project Quality Plans, and comprehensive Project Planning & Scheduling. This proficiency has been applied across a diverse spectrum of projects, spanning banking facilities, commercial fit-outs, hospitality ventures, cold chain facilities, logistics, manufacturing establishments, master planning initiatives, and commercial buildings in both the dynamic landscapes of Kenya and Seychelles.

David became an integral part of Cold Solutions Services EA in 2020, where he actively contributed to the successful delivery of our flagship project—an impressive 15,000 pallet cold storage facility situated at the prestigious Tatu City. His commitment to excellence and extensive background in managing multifaceted projects positions him as an asset in ensuring the successful realization of complex ventures.

Willis Muriu assumed the role of Information Technology Manager at Cold Solutions Services East Africa Limited in June 2023. Before joining the Cold Solutions team, Willis served as an IT Consultant at Echo International. In this capacity, he played a key role in offering strategic advisory services, managing budgets, overseeing system implementations, handling infrastructure technology, enhancing planning processes, and executing daily operational management tasks.

Educationally, Willis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in mathematics, which he earned from New Jersey City State University, NJ. His academic background, coupled with his hands-on experience as an IT Consultant, positions him as a well-rounded professional capable of leveraging both theoretical knowledge and practical insights in steering Cold Solutions Services East Africa towards technological excellence.

Cindy King'ori is a dynamic Business Analyst specializing in the intricate realm of Data Science and Analytics. In July 2023, she embarked on her journey with Cold Solutions Services East Africa Limited, bringing with her a wealth of expertise in leveraging data to drive strategic decision-making.

At the core of Cindy's professional prowess is her adeptness in optimizing processes and identifying cost-saving opportunities, particularly in the context of enhancing supply chain efficiency and effecting operational improvements within the logistics industry.

Previously, while serving as an Analyst at the Competition Authority of Kenya, Cindy showcased her exceptional analytical skills by navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Her efforts contributed significantly to ensuring fair market conditions and fostering healthy competition. This experience not only solidified her regulatory expertise but also laid the groundwork for her specialization in advanced analytics.

Fueling her passion for staying at the forefront of industry advancements, Cindy aspires to continually optimize operations through the strategic application of data science. Her commitment is rooted in the belief that meaningful data holds the key to not only unlocking operational efficiencies but also steering organizations towards enhanced profitability and overall success.

David Kiambi is a Human Resources professional with over 23 years’ experience in HR leadership. He has held executive HR leadership roles for 20 years out of a career spanning 34 years for several multinational organizations with interests in the East African region. Prior to joining the HR profession, he was a practicing Mechanical Engineer.

He holds a BSc. Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Nairobi and an MBA Employee Relations from the University of Leicester UK. He is a Fellow of the Institute of HR Management (IHRM) Kenya and a certified ICF leadership Coach.

He has experience in Manufacturing, Banking, Media, and Cold Chain Logistics.