Nema approves construction of Sh1.2bn Eldoret fertilizer plant
A section of the fertilizer plant being constructed by Toyota Tsusho East Africa in Eldoret town. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The environmental agency had halted the construction work at the site six months after Deputy President William Ruto had presided over the grand breaking ceremony.
- The project had been put on hold for 90 days until all the conditions related to environment, health risk, and public participation were addressed by the company undertaking the project.
The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) has finally approved the construction of a Sh1.2 billion fertilizer factory which had elicited mixed reactions from Eldoret residents.
The environmental agency had halted the construction work at the site six months after Deputy President William Ruto had presided over the grand breaking ceremony.
According to the authority’s western regional coordinator Barasa Wangwe, Nema has issued the firm with a license after certifying all requirements.
“We have taken into account that it’s upon Nema to issue the license after mitigating the grievances of the residents. When a license is issued then it means it certified that the construction can proceed,” he said.
The project had been put on hold for 90 days until all the conditions related to environment, health risk, and public participation were addressed by the company undertaking the project.
Mr Wangwe had explained that there was currently a three months window period for the public to air their views concerning the project before the authority issues a license by end of March.
Some residents of Ngeria estate in Eldoret, where the factory is to be constructed, had complained that the factory would have grievous health implications and to their livestock as well.
However, the Uasin Uasin County government had also allayed fears that the construction of fertilizer factory had been stopped by the Nema.
The County executive for Trade, Industry and Tourism Philip Melly stated that contrary to widespread claims that the state agency had halted the project, work is going at the site.
The project is being undertaken by Japanese company — Toyota Tsusho East Africa — and is expected to produce 150,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer upon completion in June next year.
