Investors to unveil Sh17b cement factories

By Osinde Obare

The rush for limestone exploitation in West Pokot District has intensified.

Cemtech Shanghai, a leading Indian cement manufacturer has announced it has finalised plans for the groundbreaking of a Sh7 billion cement factory scheduled for June 15.

The chase for the bare and agricultural barren soils of Ortum and Sebit has attracted investors after feasibility studies indicated limestone deposits could sustain a cement factory for more than 50 years.

Cemtech secured 650 acres of land at Sebit after payments running to million of shillings

Mehta Group, another firm also after the raw material for cement production, has hinted plans to set up a Sh10 billion factory at Ortum, barely a stone throwaway from Sebit, the site of Cemtech’s plant.

Cemtech Group Chief Executive Rajesh Rawal told The Standard arrangement for the groundbreaking ceremony had been finalised and Prime Minister Raila Odinga will grace the occasion.

"Our plans for the factory are complete and the Prime Minister has confirmed he will preside over the groundbreaking next Tuesday," said Mr Rawal on phone.

Excitement and anxiety has hit the area with residents led by Industrialisation PS John Lonyangapuo supporting the project.

"The cement factory would change the lives of our people engulfed in poverty and help eradicate rustling," observed Pokot County Council Chairman David Moiben.

The residents pledged to support the investment and told off some politicians undermining it.

"We appeal for more investors to come and exploit other natural minerals, which remain untapped. Such investment will improve our livelihood," added Mr Moiben.

The project is expected to be operational by December next year and would employ 2,000 people directly and benefit more than 5,000 others indirectly.

According to Rawal, the project is expected to produce 1.2 million tonnes of cement annually. The firm also has plans to put up 25 MVA power plant at the site.