The County Government of Nakuru has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting strategic investments that contribute to sustainable industrial growth and food security, following a high-level engagement between Deputy Governor H.E. David Kones and a delegation from the Kaishan Group. The meeting focused on the licensing and regulatory framework for water drilling to support the Olkaria Green Fertilizer Plant, a Ksh 100 billion investment currently under development in Olkaria, Naivasha Sub-County.
The Kaishan Group delegation was led by Ben Li and included technical and project representatives involved in the development of the fertilizer plant, which broke ground in November 2025. The facility is expected to rely on water as a key input in its production process, making water access and management a central consideration in the project’s implementation.
During the meeting, Deputy Governor Kones emphasized that water availability and sustainable management are critical to the success of the project and to the broader environmental objectives of the county. He assured the delegation that the County Government is committed to streamlining licensing processes related to water drilling and abstraction, in line with existing regulations and environmental safeguards. The aim, he noted, is to ensure that industrial development proceeds efficiently while protecting water resources for current and future use.
The Olkaria Green Fertilizer Plant is designed to utilize geothermal energy to power electrolysis, a process that splits water into oxygen and green hydrogen. The green hydrogen produced through this process will then be synthesized with nitrogen extracted from the atmosphere to form green ammonia. Green ammonia serves as the primary input in the manufacture of fertilizers such as Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) and green urea.
By relying on geothermal energy and green hydrogen, the plant aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in industrial production. The use of locally available renewable energy positions the facility as part of a new generation of manufacturing investments that prioritize energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Once fully operational, the Olkaria plant is projected to produce up to 480,000 tonnes of fertilizer annually. This production capacity is expected to significantly reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported fertilizers, contributing to lower input costs for farmers and supporting national food security objectives. Increased local production is also anticipated to stabilize fertilizer supply, particularly during peak agricultural seasons.
The establishment of the plant is expected to have a direct economic impact on Nakuru County and the wider Rift Valley region. In addition to creating employment opportunities during construction and operation, the project is likely to stimulate related sectors, including logistics, services, and supply chains linked to manufacturing and agriculture. The county government views the investment as a key driver in positioning Nakuru as a centre for green manufacturing and industrial innovation.
Also present during the engagement was the County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Energy, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Dr. Nelson Maara. He reiterated the department’s role in ensuring that water resource management, environmental compliance, and licensing processes are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law. He noted that close collaboration between investors and county departments is essential to achieving sustainable outcomes.
The discussions underscored the county government’s approach to investor engagement, which combines facilitation with regulatory oversight. By providing clarity on licensing requirements and supporting compliance, the county aims to create an enabling environment for responsible investment while safeguarding natural resources.
The Olkaria Green Fertilizer Plant represents a major milestone in Kenya’s transition toward green industrialization. Through continued engagement with investors such as the Kaishan Group, the County Government of Nakuru is working to align large-scale investments with local development priorities, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic growth.