Deputy President William Ruto commissions first Kenyan fertiliser plant

Deputy President William Ruto presided over the ground-breaking ceremony of a Sh123 billion fertiliser plant in Uasin Gishu, the first such plant in Kenya.

The plant, to be built on a two-acre piece of land and constructed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation, is expected to produce 150,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser on completion, with prices of the commodity expected to significantly decrease. Yesterday, Ruto assured farmers that the Government was committed to lowering the cost of agricultural production.

The new venture was a relief to Western region farmers who expect prices of the commodity to significantly decrease.

“The plant will begin by first blending, before we embark on manufacturing. We expect the first bag of fertiliser developed from here to be out in June 2016. The fertilisers produced will be specific to crops, regions and soils to ensure right farming practices,” said Dennis Awuori, Chairperson Toyota Tsusho East Africa.

He said the firm will provide solutions to challenges of soil acidity, high costs and lack of suitable fertiliser for different crops.

Lower Cost

The Government estimates that the plant will cut the cost of fertiliser by about 40 per cent, or less than Sh2,000 per 50-kg bag. While unveiling the company, the Deputy President said it was a historical moment for the entire country after five years of waiting for a local fertiliser processing plant. He said it will turn around farmers’ fortunes and boost economic growth.

“Agriculture is a key sector for our economy offering over 60 per cent employment. Our main impediment to level competition with other countries has been the high cost of inputs, which we are systematically addressing with such projects,” said Ruto.

The DP reiterated Jubilee’s commitment to improving and sustaining agriculture, saying soil samples for all counties had been taken and the firm will serve the needs of all farmers.

“This company will not benefit the North Rift region only but it will churn out fertilisers for even sugarcane farmers and bring an end to sugar importation debates that have heated up politics in the country,” added Ruto.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Sicily Kariuki said the factory will address fertiliser access limitations and greatly reduce the cost of purchase thus improve crop production.

Japan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Tatsushi Terada, lauded the new venture, saying the plant by a Japanese firm is a boost to the good relations the countries have enjoyed for long.

“Agriculture is key for the development. It means a lot to our biggest partner in Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Tatsushi.