President William Ruto has presided over the groundbreaking of the Devki Clinker and Cement Plant in Ngaaie, Mwingi North, Kitui County, in a move aimed at boosting local cement production, creating jobs and reducing Kenya’s reliance on imported clinker.
Speaking during the ceremony on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Ruto said the investment would help transform Kitui’s limestone resources into industrial opportunities, benefiting local communities and the wider economy.
“We gather to break ground for Kitui County’s first cement manufacturing plant,” Ruto said, describing the project as a major step towards expanding the region’s contribution to Kenya’s industrial development.
The President said the plant would help retain more economic value within the country by supporting domestic clinker production, creating skilled employment and strengthening local manufacturing capacity.
“Every time we import what we can competitively produce here at home, we pay other economies to create jobs and economic opportunities that could otherwise benefit Kenyans,” he said.
Ruto commended the Devki Group for investing in the country, adding that the government would continue supporting industrialisation through reliable infrastructure, efficient public services and a predictable investment environment.
The groundbreaking comes amid growing demand for construction materials driven by housing and infrastructure projects across the country.
According to figures cited by the President, Kenya’s cement production rose from 8.85 million tonnes in 2024 to 10.44 million tonnes in 2025, representing an 18 per cent increase.
Production also grew to 7.62 million tonnes in the first eight months of 2026, up from 6.68 million tonnes recorded during the same period in 2025.
Ruto said the country must go beyond meeting domestic demand and position itself as a competitive cement manufacturing hub serving East Africa and other African markets.
He also announced plans to break ground for Bamburi Cement’s expansion in Matuga, Kwale County, in approximately three weeks. The proposed clinker plant is expected to have a production capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day.
In April 2024, the President commissioned Devki’s clinker plant in Sebit, West Pokot, which has a daily production capacity of 6,000 tonnes.
Ruto said the success of the Kitui plant would be measured not only by its industrial output but also by the jobs, skills and business opportunities it creates for residents.
He urged Devki to work with technical and vocational training institutions to establish apprenticeship programmes and equip young people with skills needed for technical, operational and managerial positions.
“Young people from this region should have a clear pathway into the technical, operational, and managerial roles that a modern factory requires,” he said.
The President also called for local businesses, including transporters, maintenance firms, food suppliers and traders, to receive fair opportunities to supply goods and services to the plant.
He emphasised the need for responsible industrial practices, including safe workplaces, responsible water use, effective dust control and rehabilitation of mined land.
The President linked the investment to the government’s housing and infrastructure agenda, noting that 303,910 housing units were at various stages of development under the national housing programme.
He said the construction of homes, schools, hospitals, roads and markets would create additional demand for locally manufactured building materials.
Ruto further cited the proposed Dangote refinery project in Lamu, whose construction is expected to require more than two million tonnes of cement, as another potential source of demand for domestic manufacturers.
The President said Kenya’s industrial expansion should translate into stronger local supply chains, increased exports and better incomes for households.
“Our task is to translate that confidence into more industries, better businesses, skilled employment, and stronger local supply chains,” he said, referring to rising foreign direct investment.
He concluded that the Kitui project should turn the county’s mineral resources into lasting economic benefits for residents, with the government, investors and local communities working together to ensure the investment delivers on its promise.
