Kenya Targets Jatropha as Primary Source of Biodiesel Production

A meeting on Biodiesel Development held at the World Agroforestry Center in Nairobi on June 9, 2009 has identified the Jatropha plant as the best candidate for production of biodiesel in Kenya. Eng. Kuloba of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) revealed that the Jatropha seeds may contain up to 35% oil in composition. This is in addition to the plant's ability to survive even in the harshest arid and semi-arid areas, which means it doesn't have to compete for space with food crops.

Jatropha is also already in existence in many parts of the country, and all that needs to be done is to educate farmers on its commercial value. As Dr. Githunguri of the Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI) puts  it, "The plant already exists in many farms, being used as a hedge or even as clothes lines. Efforts have to be focused on educating and empowering the farmers so they can harness the full commercial potential of the plant." He also explained that in addition to being a source of fuel, the plant can serve as a source of revenue to farmers and thus help in reducing poverty in many parts of the country that are otherwise unsuitable for farming of food crops. On its part, the Ministry of Energy has set various targets and objectives which include a 5% blend (B5) of biodiesel with diesel by 2012. This would help the country save billions in energy costs.

For details and for more information on biodiesel development in Kenya contact Ms. Faith Odongo, Chief Renewable Energy Officer, Ministry of Energy at fahamala@yahoo.com.