(Kwale) – The Italian oil company Eni Kenya B.V. is expanding its biofuel operations in Kwale County, focusing on castor oil production to create job opportunities and enhance Kenya’s renewable energy capacity.
The Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Salim Mvurya, recently visited the Eni Kenya B.V Agri-Business Hub in Kwale County to assess the ongoing expansion of the company’s biofuel supply chain. The expansion aims to position the coastal region as a key player in biofuel production, contributing to Kenya’s renewable energy goals and benefiting local communities through job creation and economic growth.
Accompanied by Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, Kinango MP Gonzi Rai, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan, and Eni Kenya BV Managing Director Enrico Tavolini, Mvurya toured the factory to observe progress. He highlighted that the expansion would unlock significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, for the local population.
Eni Kenya, an Italian oil company, is involved in the production of castor oil, croton, and cotton seeds, which are processed to extract vegetable oil used in biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Mvurya emphasized the importance of the castor oil value chain in Kenya’s energy landscape and stated the government’s commitment to boosting this sector.
The castor plant is recognized globally as a drought-resistant crop with high oil content, making it a valuable commodity. The oil extracted from castor beans is commercially significant for a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, lubricants, soaps, and coatings. With over 300 known uses, castor oil has the potential to become a key renewable energy source, with growing interest worldwide in its role as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Mvurya encouraged all stakeholders in the castor oil value chain to work together to unlock the full potential of local castor beans. He explained that through the agribusiness model being implemented, Eni Kenya plans to assist local farmers in Kwale with land preparation, provide high-quality seeds, and support the entire farming process, from planting to harvesting.
Eni Kenya intends to purchase the castor beans harvested by local farmers and export them to Italy for refinement, tapping into global markets where the demand for biofuels is steadily increasing. Mvurya revealed that approximately 104,000 farmers in Kwale have already been empowered to engage in castor farming.
“The cultivation of castor beans could be a game changer for local farmers, especially in arid and semi-arid areas,” said Mvurya, highlighting the crop’s suitability for the region. Through this collaboration, he added, the expansion project is expected to create up to 200,000 new job opportunities, spanning across key sectors such as logistics, processing, and agricultural support services.
The government is committed to providing a conducive environment for foreign investments to address rising youth unemployment. Mvurya assured that the national government would continue to support initiatives that bring sustainable growth and job creation to the country.
Governor Achani echoed these sentiments, noting that the growing demand for castor seeds and other agricultural products will lead to improved incomes and livelihoods for local farmers. She emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between her administration, Eni Kenya, and the Ministry of Trade and Investment in establishing a sustainable agricultural supply chain that would drive long-term economic stability in Kwale.
Achani urged investors to prioritize local communities for employment and business opportunities, stressing that it is essential to involve the local population in the growth of these initiatives.
Enrico Tavolini, Managing Director of Eni Kenya, reassured both the Kwale County government and the national government that the company would continue to work closely with them to ensure the success of the project. He emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting castor bean farming in Kwale and supporting small-scale farmers in the coastal region.
“The oil we produce from castor beans can be used to create biodiesel, which is an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to fossil fuels,” Tavolini said. He added that Eni Kenya has the capacity to manufacture and distribute the castor oil produced locally on a large scale to international markets.
Project Summary
| Company Name | Location | Expansion Focus | Expected Job Creation | Key Products | Global Market Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eni Kenya B.V. | Bonje, Kwale | Biofuel (Castor Oil) | 200,000 jobs | Castor Oil, Croton, Cotton | Biofuels, SAF, Biodiesel |