Ruto Draws the Red Line as KSh70 Billion Ngaie Cement Plant Takes Shape

President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to brokers, cartels and alleged extortionists seeking to benefit unlawfully from major investments, as Kenya prepares for the groundbreaking of a KSh70 billion clinker and cement plant in Ngaie, Mwingi North, Kitui County.

Ruto said his administration would not allow individuals to frustrate investors by demanding bribes, shares or other personal benefits in exchange for supporting business projects.

The President spoke during his tour of Ukambani ahead of Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the National Cement Company Limited project associated with Devki Group chairman Narendra Raval.

The ceremony is scheduled for October 27 at Ngaie.

Ruto described the investment as a major boost to Kenya’s industrialisation agenda, saying it would create thousands of employment opportunities while strengthening local manufacturing capacity.

He particularly warned individuals he described as brokers, “Shylocks” and extortionists against interfering with investors.

According to the President, Kenya must create an environment where businesses can operate without being subjected to illegal demands.

He argued that the benefits of major investments should reach citizens through jobs, taxes and legitimate economic opportunities rather than through private arrangements that enrich a few individuals.

The Ngaie project is expected to generate significant economic activity in Mwingi North, an area where residents have repeatedly called for more employment and business opportunities.

Ruto urged young people in the region to prepare themselves for opportunities arising from the project, encouraging them to actively seek employment rather than wait for jobs to come to their homes.

The President said the plant could employ approximately 4,200 young people, although the figure remains a government projection and final staffing details have not been publicly confirmed.

Beyond employment, the project is expected to expand Kenya’s domestic clinker and cement production.

Its location near limestone deposits could provide a strategic advantage while helping strengthen local supply for the construction sector.

However, the investment will also be closely watched over issues including environmental protection, community participation, employment, land matters and transparency.

For the government, the Ngaie project is more than a factory.

It is a test of whether Kenya can attract and protect large-scale private investment while ensuring surrounding communities receive tangible benefits.

As the groundbreaking approaches, Ruto’s message is unmistakable: investors should be allowed to operate freely, while those seeking to profit through intimidation, corruption or unlawful demands will face government resistance.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/ruto-warns-brokers-cartels-ahead-of-ksh70b-ngaie-cement-plant-groundbreaking?fbclid=IwY2xjawVMFlNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHnIjfe_g-Frbjzw9BVN68FeWRfGFCB83ebLQiN9pXTV-onZWa-OOnKwGbxqP_aem_NKIbb4pUOQFnCG2PWHaCFA

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