Kenya set to use fuel from plants

Kenya is set to use oil extracted from plants for both domestic and industrial purposes.

Visiting Prince Albert II of Monaco on Monday stressed the need to help poor farmers earn a living while at the same time conserving the environment through the cultivation of oil plants, including jatropha.

Kenyans should lead the way in conserving the environment instead of waiting for government intervention, Prince Albert urged.

“Our intention is to protect the lives of those who are the first to be affected when the environment is damaged,” the prince said during a visit to Green Africa Foundation’s (Gaf) centre in Kaveta, Kitui District.

The prince said his foundation was involved in funding more than 120 projects in different countries in the face of climate change.

In 2007, Gaf entered into partnership with Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to establish a 50-hectare pilot jatropha plantation in Yatta Division.

The two partners are working towards establishing seed collection centres and oil-extraction plants throughout the country where jatropha farming is taking place, according to Gaf chairman Isaac Kalua.

“This will create a market value chain and increased production of jatropha seeds. The market for jatropha seeds has been a major challenge for farmers in the industry,” Dr Kalua said.

So far, more than 4,000 farmers in Kenya have embraced Jatropha curcas cultivation.