The Government will set up a Sh 60 million nitrogen plant in Kisii to support the Artificial Insemination service launched by the County.

Deputy President William Ruto announced this during the official opening of this year’s ASK show.

Responding to Governor James Ongwae’s request that the National Government supports Kisii County in its quest to reduce the cost of AI services.

This week, the County rolled out a subsidized AI service where farmers will access quality animal seed for as low as Sh 500 down from Sh 3,000 charged by private providers.

“I commend Kisii County for its efforts in lowering the cost of AI services. Use of high quality seed is the only way we can improve the production of meat and milk in the country. I know the hydrogen used to preserve semen is sourced from Nairobi. I direct the ministry of agriculture to set up the nitrogen plant in Kisii,” said Ruto.

He said this will help lower the cost of the service by 50 per cent. He also announced plans to establish 10 milk coolers in Kisii to boost value addition in the dairy sector.

In his address to the show goers, the Governor emphasised the importance of Agriculture to the Economy of Kisii asking farmers to apply Modern methods in farming to increase production and reduce wastage.

He also asked the National government to fast track the establishment of a Morden Sugar factory in South Mugirango , which will crash over 5,000 metric tonnes of cane per day and create jobs to the local youths.

Ruto acknowledged Kisii county government to subsidize AI services from an average of Sh3,000 to Sh500, saying the nitrogen plant will reduce the price further to Sh100.

Deputy President Ruto said access to electricity and tarmacking of 200km of roads in the county will encourage locals embrace value addition.

Ruto, was accompanied by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Willy Bett and Charles Keter, CS Energy and other county leaders