Cemtech Limited, a subsidiary of Simba Cement Company Limited, owned by Devki Group of Companies, has submitted its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report to the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) for review.
Clinker is the main raw material used in the production of cement, an important material used in construction.
“The proposed clinker production line and associated facilities are located at Mwatuma, Mwingi/Mwatuma/36, Mwingi Central Kitui District,” the EIA said.
If approved, the plant would strengthen Devki Group chairman Narendra Raval's control over local clinker production.
The total cost of the proposed Kitui clinker plant is unknown but will likely be in the billions of shillings. Mr. Laval did not return our calls.
Just last month, the businessman inaugurated a Sh29 billion clinker factory in West Pokot at an event officiated by President William Ruto. The plant can produce 6,000 tons of clinker daily.
“We want to invest in every county,” LaValle said recently.
This happened to help Kenya impose high taxes on imported clinker, cushioning local manufacturers such as Laval from suffering from cheaper imports.
Under the Finance Act 2023, cement clinker is one of the products subject to a 17.5% export and investment promotion tax.
Amid high taxes, local cement manufacturers now have a strong incentive to produce clinker locally.
For example, Bamburi Cement, National Cement and Mombasa Cement manufacture clinker.
East Africa Portland Cement Company also recently announced plans to invest $200 million (Shs26.8 billion) to set up a clinker factory in Kajiado County. The plant will have a production capacity of 5,000 tonnes of clinker.
