Kenya Seeks Stronger Fertilizer and Agricultural Trade Partnership with Zambia
The Visiting Principal Secretary for the State Department for Agriculture in Kenya, Dr Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, has expressed Kenya’s readiness to deepen agricultural trade and fertilizer cooperation with Zambia after touring the United Capital Fertilizer (UCF) plant in Chilanga.
Dr Ronoh visited the state-of-the-art fertilizer blending facility alongside Mr John Mulongoti, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Roy Mwaba, Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Fertilizer.
Speaking after the tour, Dr Ronoh commended Zambia for investing in large-scale fertilizer production, describing it as a practical step towards strengthening food and nutritional security for Zambia and the wider region.
He emphasised that fertilizer is a key driver of agricultural productivity and underlined the importance of securing reliable regional supply chains.
Dr Ronoh noted that Kenya has previously sourced agricultural commodities from Zambia, including sunflower seed, and expressed interest in exploring structured fertilizer imports to ensure a stable and affordable supply for Kenyan farmers.
He highlighted the need for closer government and private sector collaboration to address challenges such as pricing and transport logistics, noting that improved connectivity between the two countries would reduce distribution costs and benefit farmers across the region.
Mr Mulongoti reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to promoting local value addition and scientific innovation in agriculture. He said the country’s growing capacity to produce NPK blends and urea demonstrates that policy initiatives on industrialisation and self-reliance are being translated into reality.
He assured the Kenyan delegation that Zambia is ready to formalise areas of collaboration, including fertilizer exports and potential maize trade, to strengthen intra-African trade.
Mr Mwaba added that United Capital Fertilizer is prepared to expand its footprint in the region and support Kenya’s fertilizer requirements. He noted that private sector leadership, in close partnership with government, is critical to driving sustainable agricultural growth.
