-
Clinker is a key component in the manufacturer of cement.
-
It is currently manufactured by the National Cement and Mombasa Cement.
Image: COURTESY
President William Ruto is today set to mark a significant milestone as he commissions the new Sh45 billion Cemtech Sebit Clinkerization plant in West Pokot.
The factory which its construction began in 2010 will produce an estimated 6,000 metric tons of clinker daily.
It will also have a capacity of processing two million tons yearly enough to supply the whole of East Africa.
The project, established at the Sebit limestone mines deposits hills in Kipkomo subcounty is owned by Cemtech limited, a subsidiary of the renowned Devki group of companies.
The investment according to Devki chairman Narendra Raval has created more than 2, 000 job opportunities directly and several others indirectly while positively impacting the economy in the North Rift region.
Raval has also appealed to the community to support the project as they stand to benefit immensely from it.
It stands as a testament to private sector investment in Kenya's industrial growth.
“We want to change the image of West Pokot," he stated adding the target is to dispel negative perceptions and foster sustainable development in the region.
“The perception about West Pokot has been wrong, from what we have experienced since we started this investment here," he told NTV in an interview.
Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has termed the project a big boost not only to the region but the country at large highlighting its significance.
Mwangi said the opening of the plant is a big relief to cement companies in the country who have for years been forced to import the materials for cement.
Clinker is a key component in the manufacture of cement.
It is currently manufactured by the National Cement and Mombasa Cement.
Bamburi Cement, Savannah Cement, Rai Cement and Ndovu Cement are some of the companies that import clinker with the country importing more than 60 per cent of the material.
The cost of cement is also set to reduce greatly with the launch of the project.
After crushing at the factory, it will be transported to a grinding plant in Eldoret town.
"The production is enough feed for all cement factories in the country. The demand for this critical material will now be met with the excess available for export," Mwangi said.