The project is a direct response to Kenya’s heavy dependence on imported fertiliser.

Kenya has taken a major leap toward transforming its agricultural future with the launch of a groundbreaking green fertiliser project at Olkaria in Naivasha, Nakuru County

William Ruto, President led the ceremony marking the start of construction for the US$800mn green ammonia fertiliser plant - a partnership between China’s Kaishan Group and the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen).

For years, farmers across the country have struggled with the high cost and unpredictable supply of fertiliser challenges that have often left them at the mercy of fluctuating global markets. Once complete, this new factory will produce 480,000 tonnes of fertiliser annually that’s more than 9 million 50kg bags providing local farmers with a more stable and affordable supply.

Ruto said,“these challenges have inflated food costs, reduced yields, and strained household incomes.”

The project is a direct response to Kenya’s heavy dependence on imported fertiliser. In 2023 alone, the country imported more than 600,000 metric tonnes, and by mid-2025, that figure had already reached 443,000 tonnes, costing nearly US$60bn. Ruto said, “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.”

What makes this plant particularly remarkable is its clean-energy foundation. It will draw 165 megawatts of geothermal power from Olkaria’s abundant underground heat to synthesise green ammonia and convert it into fertiliser the first project of its kind in Africa.

This innovation isn’t just about farming; it’s about sustainability. Ruto highlighted that the plant will prevent over 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year, the same as taking 130,000 petrol cars off the road. Beyond its environmental benefits, the construction phase alone will create over 2,000 jobs, with a strong emphasis on hiring from local communities.

Ruto reaffirmed that the investment is both green and economically viable, projecting US$13mn in annual profits for KenGen. It’s also expected to open new doors in carbon credit trading, giving Kenya a stronger foothold in international climate finance markets.

“Green fertiliser will give Kenyan exports a competitive edge, open new markets for our agri-business, and strengthen our position in global value chains,” he said.

More broadly, the project sends a strong message to global investors. “It demonstrates investor confidence in Kenya and gives us an indication of what investors are looking for,” the President said.

He called on Kenyans to support the proposed National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund, which aim to raise US$4.5 trillion for vital road, dam, and energy projects.

Ruto concluded, “Together, we are called upon to dream boldly, act decisively, and deliver a future of shared prosperity.”

Yannick will play a vital role in strengthening the company’s presence in the African poultry sector.(Image credit: Hubbard)

Hubbard has officially announced the appointment of Yannick Levantard as the new Area Manager for East and Southern Africa, taking over from Jean Lebec, who has moved on to pursue new professional and personal ventures

Yannick will report directly to Bruno Briand, Global Sales Director at Hubbard, and will play a vital role in strengthening the company’s presence in the African poultry sector.

Yannick holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with a specialisation in Agricultural Extension from the University of Mauritius (2003), and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Development Economics from the University of Reading, UK (2005). His strong academic background has laid the foundation for an impressive 19-year career within the agricultural and poultry industries.

He began his career at Avipro Co. Ltd in Mauritius, where he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Broiler Operations Officer, Broiler Operations Manager, and later Breeding Operations Manager. During his tenure, Yannick gained extensive experience in poultry management and contributed to several major operational and productivity-driven projects.

In 2019, Yannick joined Avitech SA in Madagascar as Operations Manager, and by 2023, he was promoted to General Manager. In this role, he successfully led strategic initiatives, improved operational efficiency, and fostered strong partnerships with local and regional stakeholders.

Yannick’s vast experience in operations management, business development, and his deep understanding of the African poultry market make him ideally suited for his new position at Hubbard. He will be responsible for expanding the company’s market reach in East and Southern Africa, providing support to the Hubbard Efficiency Plus distributor in East Africa, and working closely with the local Customer Support team.

Yannick said, “From my perspective, this new role goes beyond selling genetics. It is about building trust, sharing know-how, and strengthening alliances. My motivation is to blend technical excellence with customer focus to support the growth of Hubbard’s business in East.”

With this appointment, Hubbard reinforces its long-term commitment to supporting African poultry farmers with innovative genetics, practical knowledge, and sustainable farming solutions.

Agrofi is redefining agribusiness in South Africa proving that modern & sustainable farming.(Image credit: Agrofi Egg)

Agrofi Egg, situated in the Western Cape of South Africa, is fast emerging as a leading name in sustainable agriculture.

The company combines poultry farming with a range of diversified agricultural ventures, aiming to strengthen food security, create jobs, and empower local communities.

At present, Agrofi manages approximately 2,300 layer hens, producing around 2,000 fresh eggs each day. By March 2026, the agribusiness plans to double its egg output while expanding into vegetable and herb production. The company also intends to explore new avenues such as snail farming, rabbit breeding, and livestock rearing including goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle.

Agrofi stands out for its integration of modern agricultural technologies. These include data monitoring systems, sustainable feed formulations, and renewable energy solutions that reduce environmental impact. Desmond Irabor, Founder and CEO highlights the importance of blending innovation with traditional farming wisdom: “tradition provides the foundation, while modern tech and efficiency allow scalability.” This balanced approach helps Agrofi improve productivity while maintaining the authenticity of local farming practices.

The company supplies eggs and farm produce to hotels, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and direct consumers, focusing on freshness, consistency, and animal health. Hygiene and responsible handling are central to Agrofi’s operations, ensuring that quality is never compromised from farm to table.

Beyond its business operations, Agrofi is deeply rooted in community development. The company actively involves local youth and women, working closely with schools, universities, the Ubuntu Foundation, the provincial agriculture department, and Wesgro. Irabor reinforces the vision that “agriculture should be a shared responsibility that strengthens communities and raises food-security.”

Looking ahead, Agrofi aims to acquire a 100-hectare farm to boost its production capacity and further diversify its farming portfolio. While recruitment is not immediate, the company plans to expand its workforce in 2026, focusing on individuals passionate about sustainable agriculture. Agrofi is also strengthening its national presence and has partnered with the International Commodity Summit 2025 to enhance visibility and build strategic partnerships.

By combining poultry, crop cultivation, and livestock with renewable energy and community inclusion, Agrofi is redefining agribusiness in South Africa proving that modern, sustainable farming can nurture both people and the planet.

Cow dung has long been used as a fuel booster when mixed with firewood.

In Kenya’s rural heartlands, a group of creative students is transforming everyday farm waste into an affordable and environmentally friendly fuel source

At Kilembwa Secondary School in Mwala Sub-County, Machakos County, students have successfully developed briquettes made from cow dung, offering rural farmers and households a sustainable alternative for clean cooking.

Across many farming communities, cow dung has long been used as a fuel booster when mixed with firewood. However, this traditional practice releases heavy smoke and harmful emissions, affecting both human health and the environment. The young innovators decided to explore a smarter use of this common farm by-product. Their method involves mixing cow dung with water to form a paste, adding sawdust or dry grass to improve air circulation, shaping the mixture into briquettes, and leaving them to dry in the sun for two to three days before use.

From an agricultural point of view, this simple yet effective idea gives new value to waste generated on farms. Instead of allowing dung to accumulate and create disposal challenges, it is now being converted into a useful resource. The innovation supports sustainable farming, helps cut down on the demand for firewood, and reduces the carbon footprint of rural households.

The students’ eco-briquettes burn cleaner than traditional charcoal, emitting much less smoke and carbon dioxide. As teacher Truphosa Mutua said, “The process of burning the charcoal also releases a lot of smoke and Carbon IV Oxide that damages the environment, and that is why we have come up with this idea to save our trees because we want to be a part of the solution but not the pollution.”

The project was presented during a science exhibition organised by Kenya Connect, where it gained recognition for combining agriculture, waste utilisation, and climate-smart energy practices. For local farmers, the benefits are practical and immediate - less dung to dispose of, lower household fuel expenses, and even the potential for extra income by producing and selling the briquettes.

Looking ahead, the main challenge is scaling production while maintaining quality and raising awareness about the briquettes’ advantages. If adopted widely, this agricultural waste-to-fuel innovation could reshape rural energy use across Kenya and Africa, promoting cleaner cooking, greener farms, and a more sustainable agricultural future.