President William Ruto's fertiliser subsidisation programme is set to receive a boost after the world's first modular green ammonia plant set up shop in Kenya.
The plant based in Naivasha and managed by US-based company, Talus Renewables, will rely heavily on technology to make fertiliser.
For instance, the company will employ the use of electricity to split water atoms.
The idea behind splitting the water atom, which contains oxygen and hydrogen, is to ensure that hydrogen can be combined with nitrogen to manufacture fertiliser.
According to Bloomberg, the company is also planning to set up similar plants in Iowa in the United States.
The company is expected to produce only 1 tonne of fertiliser per day during its initial run as the company explores expansion plans.
The technology used in the manufacture of the fertiliser has been hailed for its reliance on green energy practices, a departure from emissions-intensive alternatives.
In Kenya, the new plant is expected to increase fertiliser production and help the country transition to clean energy which in turn is aimed at reducing the country's carbon footprint.
As it stands, Kenya largely relies on imported fertiliser, mainly from Russia, for its agricultural yields incurring high transportation costs in the process.
In 2021 alone, Kenya spent Ksh9.4 billion on fertiliser importation.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has committed to providing cheaper fertiliser to boost agricultural productivity. One of the steps he has taken is providing affordable fertiliser which has seen the price of a 90-kg bag drop from a high of nearly Ksh6,000 to Ksh2,500.
On Carbon footprint, Ruto also unveiled a plan to transition the country from reliance on fossil fuel to clean energy. This includes the use of clean energy in manufacturing as well as household cooking.
While commenting on the establishment of the green ammonia company, expected to use the Olkaria Geothermal resources, Ruto noted that the step aligns with the government's focus on the green agenda.
"This is a bold statement that Kenya is on an ambitious green growth agenda," the Head of State declared in March.
