Press reports from Kenya have confirmed that two Indian-based companies have been given approval to set up cement plants in Kenya. Gleen Investment has been issued with a letter of offer to construct a cement plant in Ortum, West Pokot following a proposal by Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). This comes a few months after Cemtech/Sanghi was given the green light to create a plant in the Sebit area in Pokot central district.
Gleen Investment are said to be working on a joint venture agreement before it commences work on the operations.
Cemtech/Sanghi has acquired 650 acres of land as the start towards building a 120 000 tpa plant. The Pokot district is rich in limestone deposits with the Ortum and Serbia areas, 30 km apart, having substantial amounts for mining. The company’s chief executive officer, Rawal Jayesh has said it will spend Sh8 billion on the project.
East and central Africa is experiencing a construction boom that is boosting cement production. In addition to the growing requirement for cement in the local market, the demand at regional level has also increased. The main markets are Uganda, Southern Sudan, Tanzania and Rwanda. The demand in these countries is due to increase construction especially in Southern Sudan which is experiencing reconstruction following the return to peace.
Earlier it was reported that Athi River Mining is setting up a Sh10 billion plant in Tanzania, reputed to be the largest in the region, while Bamburi is setting up a Sh7 billion plant in Uganda. East Africa Portland is also planning to set up a plant in Tanzania.