News from Athi River Mining and EAPC in Kenya

Athi River Mining’s Kilifi cement plant is reportedly facing challenges from NGOs such as Human Rights Agenda, which want the plant to be investigated over health concerns. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is content that the improvement orders issued to Athi River Mining after a brief closure last March have been followed. An audit is planned shortly to confirm the level of compliance. Improvements include the installation of dust resistors and the construction of internal roads and concrete floors for loading vehicles. Local press report rumours that the NGOs have hired doctors in the area and residents are being paid to have a chest examination; however, a letter from the Ministry of Health to the Human Rights Restoration Forum in October last year states that there has not been an unusual prevalence of chest and lung infections in the area.

Elsewhere in Kenya, East African Portland Cement is to build a second cement plant in Nooleleshuani, Kajiado, which would be operational in 2016. The new integrated cement plant would be built near the Maasai plains, which are rich in limestone. EAPC plans to increase its capacity to hold its market position and eventually become a market leader. Feasibility studies are currently being carried out.

Edited from various sources by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/africa-middle-east/20012014/newsbytes_from_kenya_cement_industry_617/