Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has launched the KenGen–Kaishan Green Ammonia Fertiliser Project in Olkaria, Nakuru County, marking what he described as a major step towards agricultural self-reliance, green industrialisation and reduced dependence on fertiliser imports.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Ruto said the project represents Kenya’s determination to transform its economy by combining renewable energy, innovation and industrial development.
He said the plant will produce up to 480,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually, ensuring farmers have a steady and affordable supply while shielding the country from global price shocks.
The president noted that Kenya imported more than 600,000 tonnes of fertiliser in 2023 and 443,000 tonnes worth nearly Sh60 billion in the first half of 2025 alone.
“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,” he said.
Ruto said the factory will use 165MW of geothermal energy to synthesise green ammonia into fertiliser, making it the first project of its kind in Africa.
He added that Kenya has an estimated 10,000MW geothermal potential but has only exploited about 1,000MW.
The president stated that the project will help prevent more than 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing 130,000 petrol and diesel cars from the roads.
It is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and train a new generation of experts in geothermal energy, hydrogen and industrial operations.
With a total investment of $800 million, the project is projected to generate over $13 million (Sh1.7 billion) in annual profits for KenGen and open opportunities in carbon credit trading.
Ruto said green fertiliser will give Kenyan exports a competitive advantage in global markets and reinforce the country’s leadership in sustainable innovation.
He added that Kenya must expand its energy capacity from the current installed 2,300MW to at least 10,000MW in the next decade to meet industrial and economic needs.
He said the government is prioritising public-private partnerships and creating a National Infrastructure Fund to finance key projects in energy, roads and dams.
The president outlined broader plans to build 50 new mega dams to irrigate 2.5 million acres of land and reduce the annual food import bill currently at KSh500 billion.
He also said the government aims to dual 1,000km of highways and tarmac 10,000km of rural roads.
“This is the scale of our ambition… to build a modern, food-secure nation supported by world-class infrastructure,” he said.
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