Eldoret, Kenya: A multi-billion shilling fertiliser plant that will meet the specific soils and crop conditions across the country has been launched in Uasin-Gishu County.
The first project of its kind in Kenya, which is being spearheaded by the Toyota Tsusho Fertilizer Plant, will bring down the cost of production upon its completion.
Deputy President William Ruto graced the colorful ground breaking ceremony, which was held at Ngeria grounds in Uasin-Gishu County on Friday.
Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, several MPs and Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin-Gishu, Kenneth Lusaka (Bungoma) and Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) attended the function.
Chairman of Toyota Kenya, Dennis Awori said the plant with modern coating and screening will guarantee quality and consistency for the 150,000 tones that will initially be produced per year.
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“Our state of the art blending, with modern coating and screening will guarantee quality and consistency for the 150,000 tones per year that we will initially produce,” said Mr. Awori.
Mr. Ruto said the plant would ensure reduction in the cost of production after the cost of fertilizers is reduced upon the completion of the project.
“This project will also tackle the increasing problem of soil acidity even as it replaces lost nutrients,” said the Deputy President.
He added: “We will have a manufacturing plant that will be sensitive to soils and crops. This means we will have fertilizers whose soils survey have already been done.”
Mr. Ruto said the Government was committed to the development of the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy.
“As a Government we are putting more priority in the agricultural sector because it is the backbone of our economy. This is why we are initiating projects which can transform the lives of the people,” he said.
He told county governments to focus on projects aimed at uplifting the living standards among the people.
“County governments should focus more on agro processing, value addition and manufacturing if we are to address the problem of unemployment and improve peoples lives,” he said.
Mr. Ruto lauded the role played by the Japanese government in transforming the lives of Kenyans through initiation of various development projects.
“I want to assure the government and people of Japan that they have our unqualified support in this project,” said Mr. Ruto.
Mr. Wamalwa commended MPs for coming up with a law allowing the establishment of a fertiliser factory in the country.
“It is time the Kenya seed company also reduces the cost of seeds for many farmers to afford them,” said Mr. Wamalwa.
MPs in the region said the project upon completion would help solve the perennial shortage of fertilizers in the region.
“We are happy that this project has finally started. This will ensure availability and affordable fertilizers round the clock,” said Oscar Sudi, Kapseret MP.
The initiation of the project was also hailed by MPs Kareke Mbiuki (Mara), Silas Tiren (Moiben), Wesley Korir (Cherangany), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South) and Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza).
Mr. Mbiuki praised reforms, which were introduced by the Deputy President when he was in charge of the agricultural sector.
“In fact, I must thank the Deputy President for the reforms he introduced in the agricultural sector which has also led to the initiation of this project,” said Mr. Mbiuki.
Mr. Tiren urged Toyota Tsusho, which also deals with tractors to consider subsidizing the cost of the tractors to enable as many farmers as possible afford them.
Mr. Awori said the company’s vision in the next five years would be to invest in most of the key sectors of the economy including infrastructure, oil, gas transport, energy and agriculture.
“Within agriculture, we have already begun to participate in the mechanization of farming by taking on the representation of Yanmar and Case Tractors and Equipment,” said Mr. Awori.
Japanese Ambassador Tatsushi Terada said his country would continue to cooperate with Kenya on matters of development.
“Japan will continue to partner with Kenya in initiating projects aimed at improving the lives of the people,” said Mr. Terada.
The Governors said the project would go a long way in addressing the high cost of production in the country.
“This project will greatly help reduce the cost of production as fertiliser prices will be reduced once the construction work on this factory is complete,” said Mr. Lusaka.
Mr. Mandago said farmers in Western and Rift use over Sh 10billion in purchasing fertilizers, which are imported.
“I want to assure this Toyota Company that there is enough market for the fertilizers and the only thing that you can do for us is to ensure this construction is completed in the next six months,” said Mr. Mandago.
