Farmers gifted ploughing machines as KBL mark Senator Keg's 20th anniversary

By Peter Ochieng

Two sorghum farmers from Homabay County were the biggest beneficiaries of Senator Keg's 20th anniversary celebrations held in Kisumu on Thursday.

Christopher Okwacho and Jenipher Atieno, both abled differently were gifted the machines which can also be used for weeding, during the celebrations at the Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) plant in Kisumu.

The duo, affiliated to the Global Labour Program (GLP) are among the over 45,000 farmers across the country contracted by KBL to supply sorghum, a key raw material in the manufacture of Senator Keg.

Senator Keg was first produced in 2004, with land mark achievements such as recruitment, and giving a lifeline to farmers having been reached during the 20 year journey.

The KBL Kisumu plant was originally launched in 1982, before closing in 2003 due to industry shifts.

However, in 2017, thanks to a Sh15 billion investment, retired President Kenyatta officiated its grand reopening.

According to KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti, the plant is one of the modern breweries in the world.

"Kisumu can boast of having the most modern brewery in the world constructed in record time. Construction ended six months before the actual completion date," stated the MD.

The plant has a modern biogas plant and an efficient water management system, among other features.

Ocitti said Senator Keg's raw materials are 80% locally sourced, adding that KBL is now the largest buyer of white sorghum in the country.

In terms of production, Ocitti said they are now producing 2 million barrels of Senator Keg per year, with the firm stepping up it's production to overun illicit brews in the Kenyan market.

"Senator Keg is an affordable quality drink."

Kisumu Deputy Governor (DG) Mathews Ochieng Owili urged the company to focus on lighting streets of areas surrounding the firm, as an effort towards reducing cases of insecurity.

"In most cases, insecurity is fuelled by dark streets," he noted.

The event was also attended by Flora Mworoa, Nyanza regional coordinator who represented Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary (PS) for interior and national administration.