East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) through its subsidiary Kenya Breweries Ltd (KBL) is now exploring whether its Kisumu plant can resume production of other brands.
The Kisumu plant has been producing Senator Keg since it was officially reopened in 2013 by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Mark Ocitti, the Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited, said the Kisumu plant was closed after Uganda launched a plant hence affecting its share of the market. Speaking at the Kisumu plant, he said chances or resuming full production at the lake side facility are high given the huge population in Western Kenya.
Ocitti said the number of contracted Sorghum farmers in Western Kenya has so far grown from the initial 35,000 to 45,000 currently. The MD, who was accompanied by Kisumu deputy governor Dr Mathew Owili, said they are encouraging farmers to grow to grow sorghum on contract basis.
“There has been successful contract farming between the brewer and over 45,000 farmers from Kisumu, Busia, Homa Bay, Siaya, and Migori counties. We would like farmers in this county to grow white sorghum as all our contracted farmers will be assured of market,” he said.
Ocitti said white Sorghum is better since it can withstand the vagaries of pests and adverse conditions. He said sorghum can withstand dry conditions (600mm annual rainfall) and remain green at very low moisture level and it can also do well in very poor soils and most varieties of sorghum produce much more forage than maize.
One of the reasons why Senator Keg was introduced was to help combat illicit brews, Ocitti said they will partner with the County government of Kisumu to ensure farmers get their rightful shares after harvest of sorghum.
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During the occasion, KBL marked 20 years since the launch of Senator Keg, as Ocitti mentioned that the brand has contributed to their value chain in addition to lending a hand in the fight against illicit brews in the country.
Dr Owili observed that the firm has contributed towards the economic growth of the Western Kenya region in terms of both direct and indirect employment.
By Fredrick Odiero
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