Kenya Breaks Ground on KSh100 Billion Green Fertiliser Plant to Boost Food Security

 

By Brad Mukopi 

Kenya has taken a major step towards achieving self-sufficiency in fertiliser production following the launch of an $800 million (KSh100 billion) green ammonia fertiliser project at Olkaria in Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County.

President William Ruto on Monday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the mega project, a joint venture between China’s Kaishan Group and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen).

Once complete, the plant will produce 480,000 tonnes of green ammonia fertiliser annually — equivalent to more than nine million 50kg bags — significantly reducing the country’s reliance on imported fertiliser.

Reducing Dependence on Imports

Speaking during the event, President Ruto said the project marks a turning point in Kenya’s quest for food security and economic resilience.

“In 2023, Kenya imported over 600,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, and in just the first half of 2025, we brought in 443,000 tonnes worth nearly KSh60 billion,” he said. “Each shipment represents a cost to our Treasury and a lost opportunity for our people. Today’s event marks a decisive step toward self-sufficiency and resilience in fertiliser production.”

The Head of State said the project will help cushion farmers from fluctuating fertiliser prices and strengthen Kenya’s agricultural productivity.

Africa’s First Green Ammonia Fertiliser Project

The plant, the first of its kind in Africa, will utilise 165 megawatts of geothermal energy from Olkaria to synthesise green ammonia and convert it into fertiliser.

President Ruto noted that the venture is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable. The facility is expected to prevent more than 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually — equivalent to removing 130,000 cars from the roads — while generating over $13 million (KSh1.7 billion) in annual profits for KenGen.

The project will also create more than 2,000 jobs during its two-year construction period, with the President urging the developers to prioritise local employment.

Boost for Climate Goals and Investment Confidence

President Ruto hailed the initiative as a model for sustainable industrialisation, saying it will open new opportunities for carbon credit trading and position Kenyan exports competitively in global markets.

“Green fertiliser will give Kenyan exports a competitive edge, open new markets for our agri-business, and strengthen our position in global value chains,” he said.

He added that the investment underscores growing confidence in Kenya as a preferred destination for international investors.

Private Sector Partnerships for Development

The President further emphasised the need to leverage private sector partnerships to finance key infrastructure projects, noting that the government must shift from heavy borrowing.

“It is no longer possible for us to borrow money to build projects such as this plant or even the Rironi–Mau Summit road,” he said.

He called on Members of Parliament and citizens to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which aim to raise at least KSh4.5 trillion to finance roads, dams, and energy projects nationwide.

“Together, we are called upon to dream boldly, act decisively, and deliver a future of shared prosperity,” President Ruto concluded.