Ruto Breaks Ground for KSh70 Billion Cement and Clinker Plant in Kitui

President William Ruto has broken ground for a KSh70 billion cement and clinker manufacturing plant in Ngaaie, Mwingi North, Kitui County, in a major investment expected to create thousands of jobs and boost local manufacturing.

The Devki Group project is expected to create about 4,000 jobs during construction and employ more than 3,000 people directly once the factory is completed in August 2027.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Ruto described the factory as a major step in turning Kitui’s limestone deposits into industrial wealth, saying the investment would open up economic opportunities for residents and local businesses.

“For generations, the people of Ngaaie have recognised the immense mineral wealth beneath their feet, envisioning the industrial development and job creation that their local limestone deposits could unlock,” he stated.

The President commended Devki Group chairman Narendra Raval for investing in the project, which he noted would strengthen Kenya’s manufacturing capacity, reduce reliance on imported clinker and position the country as a supplier to regional markets.

The plant is expected to support the cement industry by producing clinker locally, a key ingredient in cement manufacturing. Increased domestic production could reduce dependence on imports while creating jobs in manufacturing, transport and supply chains.

Ruto argued that Kenya’s growing infrastructure and industrial projects would create a ready market for locally produced cement and clinker.

He pointed to planned developments in Lamu, including petroleum refining and port expansion, alongside other major construction projects, as investments likely to increase demand for building materials.

The President cited estimates that the proposed Dangote refinery would require more than two million tonnes of cement, equivalent to about 20 per cent of Kenya’s current annual output. He added that planned port expansions could further increase national demand.

The government, he maintained, was pursuing investments in manufacturing, electric mobility and infrastructure to expand local production and create employment.

Ruto also highlighted ongoing projects in Kitui, including a modern market in Mwingi, 300 housing units, Kenya Medical Training College hostels, the Bondoni-Kanziku road corridor and Enziu Bridge. Nearly 200 kilometres of roads in the county have also been contracted, according to his remarks.

He said the construction drive would create opportunities for young people graduating from universities and technical and vocational education institutions, while supporting businesses supplying construction materials.

“This nationwide building drive is designed to absorb domestic industrial products—such as steel, clinker, and quarry materials—while expanding transport and supply chain businesses. Most importantly, it creates immediate job opportunities for our skilled youth graduating from universities and TVETs, ensuring that national development directly translates into meaningful employment,” he stated.

The President revealed that plans for the Ngaaie factory had been delayed for nearly 15 years by bureaucracy, extortion and individuals demanding bribes and unauthorised shares in the project.

He claimed several cement manufacturers, including Bamburi, NRM, Portland and Dangote, had previously attempted to establish similar investments but failed to overcome the obstacles.

Ruto praised Raval for pressing ahead with the project despite the challenges, promising that the government would protect investors and provide a transparent business environment.

He warned that cartels and corrupt intermediaries would not be allowed to frustrate legitimate investments, arguing that such practices undermine job creation and economic growth.

The President also defended transparent share purchases at the Kenya Pipeline Company, maintaining that publicly listed shares were available to investors through the stock exchange.

He also cited a planned cement factory in Nyeri, where he claimed some leaders had attempted to disrupt community consultations. According to the President, residents supported the investment after rejecting efforts to derail it.

The Ngaaie plant, he maintained, would help turn local resources into jobs and business opportunities while strengthening Kenya’s position in the regional cement market.

Its completion in 2027 is expected to mark a major addition to the country’s cement manufacturing capacity, with the government banking on rising construction demand to support local production and employment.

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