Kenya will no longer import fertilizer by the end of the year once the multi-billion shilling Eldoret fertiliser plant rolls out production, Deputy President William Ruto has said.
Ruto said the government is impressed at the pace of the construction work of the plant.
He said the completion of the factory would solve the problem that the country faces in importing fertilizers.
Speaking when he received progress report of the ongoing construction work on the Eldoret factory at his Harambee Annex office on Friday, the Deputy President said the completion of the factory would also bring down the cost of production.
“We are impressed at the good progress being witnessed in the construction of the factory. We are optimistic that by the end of this year, we will no longer import fertilizer,” said Ruto.
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.”
Chairman of Toyota Kenya Dennis Awori and Chief Executive Officer, Fertilizer Factory Akira Wada said they were doing everything possible to meet the August deadline for the factory to roll out fertilizer production.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the factory that will meet the specific soils and crop conditions across the country is operational by August this year,” said Awori.
Awori said Toyota Tsusho; the company spearheading the construction work is committed to producing a well-balanced NPK blending fertilizer including Micro Nutrients matching to crop and soil conditions.
“Our installed equipment is the most advanced fertilizer blending equipment in the industry, capable for precision weighting and blending and micro nutrient coating,” said Awori
The Deputy President said the Government was committed to the development of the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy noting that the availability of fertilizer factory will greatly improve production.
“I am looking forward to ensure the factory is completed within the stipulated period,” said Ruto.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the Deputy President has praised the long -running cooperation between Kenya and Japan.
He said the cooperation has seen Kenya benefit in numerous fields especially in agriculture, health and water sectors.
Speaking when he bid farewell to Japanese outgoing Ambassador to Kenya Tatsushi Terada, the Deputy President said Japan has provided Kenya with assistance for the modernization of the Mombasa port.
“The upgrading of the Mombasa port remains critical and is in our interest and that of the regional economies that are reliant on the port. We will continue to strengthen our relations for the sake of the people of our two nations,” said Ruto.
Mr. Terada said Japan would continue to work with Kenya in initiating development projects aimed at uplifting the people’s lives.
“I am happy that our relations continue to strengthen for the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
The Deputy President also held talks with South Korean Ambassador to Kenya Kwon Young Dae accompanied by Son Pyong-il, Managing Director, Korean Business Centre and Residence Representative for Commercial Affairs.
Dae said South Korean President will tour Kenya in June accompanied by more than 150 business people to explore business opportunities in the country.
“Our President is touring Kenya among other countries in June accompanied by 150 business people to look for more business opportunities in this country,” said Mr. Dae.
Dae said the two countries have signed agreements to improve trade and investments.
The DP urged Korean investors to exploit business opportunities in Kenya.