MUMIAS "FERTILIZER PLANT" COULD RUN IN TROUBLE. - Donors peg funding to Finance Bill.

THE much publicized US-Funded Waste-fertilizer-plant in Mumias West could run into headwinds barely a week after it was launched. 

According to a confidential report filed to the doners by US envoy to Kenya Amb Margaret Whitman on the night she flew out of the country, the "plant" could remain a mirage. 

Multiple sources away from the report seen by eshikumo2030.blogspot.com including two elected MPs in Kakamega County privy to the on goings, the project funding faces "unrealistic demands by "groupies" who 'unusually want access' to part of the Ksh 1.3B. 

The report in custody of US investment plan mandarins also paints a "bleak" or "delayed" future of the project if the current Financial Tax bill is passed by law makers. 

"The situation remains fluid in Kenya as the populace debates a controversial finance bill that proposes funding of such projects, this, if passed, will have a direct bearing on how the said fertilizer project is Funded from US public coffers" Reads the confidential copy. 

US Envoy to Kenya Amb Margaret Whitman when she paid Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa a visit. Photo Courtesy of GPU. 

The report reads "For now it must be noted that an attitude of wait and see is the best in theeantime because as it looks, the Bill will have a direct bearing on the funding and it could mean revision of the figures". 

The fertilizer project, mouthed as a game changer for the government of first term  Governor Fernandes Barasa, an accomplished finance Manager, but according to our Elected source, risks easily turning out to be the poisoned cliche. A white elephant 🐘. 

The MP who requested not to be named said the US Investment report paints a 'grim picture' of the project and it's completion adding that accessibility of the factory area also remains an issue. 

"We appreciate the need to raise the Agricultural standards of the area in terms of cheap fertilizer but Government policy in terms of the controversial 'finance bill' on the lips of every Kenyan Citizen proves an impediment in the 100% funding of this venture" Reads the report.

The report goes on to read "It will be impracticable for the US Government to expressly fund the instalation and operationalization of the said project in the current situation. 

Our MP source expressed worry that the Project, incase the bill passes could remain a white elephant because the cost of the funding could go up "And the bureaucracy of renegotiation of new terms could go beyond three years" He said.

"The Governor had to launch it because it comes down as his pet project going forward but unknown to him, shadows from the past regime are lingering but on the Rader of the donor" Said our source. 

The MP said it will be practically impossible for the Finance Bill to be defeated due to "State House" influence on virtually most MPs who confess to the government. 

Our source at the County Government of Kakamega expressed mitten and was not sure if the project could be completed within the first five years of Governor Fernandes Barasa. 

The source however remains optimistic that the Governor's superb management background could as well save the donor-Funded project. 

Already those vauching for the passage of the Finance Bill 2023 have marshaled 204 MPs from within and without government, while those against it are at 121. 

ENDS. 

NEXT: We publish word for word the confidential US report casting in doubt full funding of the project.