In Kenya, cement prices have gone up on the back of a Sh140 per tonne mining levy, introduced on 18 December. This translates to Sh7 per 50 kg bag and has caused outcry among cement producers, who have called the levy ‘unfair’ and ‘illegal’.
Some producers, including Bamburi Cement, have already raised prices. Athi River Mining has told press that the levy has pushed up costs and they will have to review their cost structure to see how they can avoid raising prices.
An increase in cement prices naturally pushes up construction costs, which will be a blow to the housing market. There are fears that the high prices will encourage people to build shanties rather than houses, a step backward for the country.
Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui