Kenya: Kenya Maltings Limited opens a branch in Uganda

Kenya Maltings Limited, a subsidiary of East African Breweries Ltd (EABL), has opened a branch in Uganda, the East African Standard posted on May 10.

At the same time, the firm has changed its corporate name to East African Maltings Limited (EAML).

EAML's general manager, Phillip Kalii, announced on May 09 that the company had contracted over 400 large-scale farmers who will grow over 80,000 tonnes of barley and the figure is expected to go up to 100,000 tonnes.

In Uganda, Kalii said about 4,000 small-scale farmers with one hectare or less are growing about 2,000 tonnes of barley.

He said plans were underway to contract more large-scale farmers with over 100 hectares in Uganda to increase production.

"We are targeting to produce at least 20,000 tonnes in Uganda," Kalii said.

Farmers in Kapchorwa and Bukwa districts in Eastern Uganda have been contracted to grow barley.

A financing scheme, similar to one in Kenya, will be established to assist the farmers get advances through the company.