“Kenya Is Open for Bold Investments”: Ruto Launches $800 Million Green Fertiliser Project

Kenya has taken a major step toward achieving food security with the launch of a $800 million (KSh100 billion) green ammonia fertiliser project in Olkaria, Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County. President William Ruto officially broke ground for the factory on Monday, a joint venture between China’s Kaishan Group and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen).

Once operational, the plant will produce 480,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually, equivalent to over 9 million 50kg bags. The President said this will protect farmers from fluctuating fertiliser prices that have previously inflated food costs, reduced crop yields and strained household incomes. In 2023, Kenya imported more than 600,000 tonnes of fertiliser, while the first half of 2025 alone saw 443,000 tonnes imported at a cost of nearly KSh60 billion. “Each shipment represents a cost to our Treasury and a lost opportunity for our people,” he noted.

The facility will use 165MW of geothermal energy to synthesise green ammonia, making it the first project of its kind in Africa. President Ruto highlighted the environmental benefits, saying the project will prevent over 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to removing 130,000 internal combustion cars from the road.

The construction phase, spanning two years, is expected to generate over 2,000 jobs. Ruto urged the project developers to prioritise employment for local residents. He added that the initiative is commercially viable, projecting more than $13 million (KSh1.7 billion) in annual profits for KenGen. The venture will also create opportunities for carbon credit trading under international climate mechanisms.

“Green fertiliser will strengthen Kenya’s exports, open new markets for agri-business, and enhance our global competitiveness,” Ruto said.

Ruto also called on Kenyans and lawmakers to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund. These initiatives aim to raise KSh4.5 trillion to finance roads, dams, energy projects, and other critical infrastructure. “Together, we are called upon to dream boldly, act decisively, and deliver a future of shared prosperity,” he said, urging collaboration between the government and private sector to drive development.

The green ammonia fertiliser project marks a key milestone in Kenya’s efforts to secure food, reduce emissions and attract investment to the country’s energy and agricultural sectors.