KITUI, Kenya — Devki Group has begun construction of a Sh50 billion cement manufacturing plant in Kitui County, in an investment expected to accelerate industrialisation and create new economic opportunities in the region.
The factory is being built in Ngaaie, Mwingi North, an area known for its extensive limestone deposits, which provide a key raw material for cement production.
Devki Group Executive Chairman Dr Narendra Raval said the project would create jobs, support local businesses and improve livelihoods in communities around the plant.
Sh50 Billion Factory Targets Jobs
Raval said industrialisation was essential to addressing unemployment among Kenya’s young people, particularly recent graduates.
“We talk about Gen Z but this is the only way for them to work. We have to put them in the job. They are graduating, there are no jobs and jobs will not come if we don’t do industrialisation in the country,” Raval said.
According to Devki, thousands of residents are already benefiting from employment and emerging business opportunities associated with construction of the factory.
Once operational, the company expects the plant to generate additional direct and indirect jobs.
First Cement Plant in Kitui
The project will become Kitui County’s first cement manufacturing facility.
Its location in Ngaaie is strategically linked to the area’s limestone deposits, which have long been identified as an important mineral resource for the county.
The investment comes as Kitui seeks to turn its mineral wealth into industrial activity, employment and increased local economic activity.
Devki said the project would also create opportunities for transporters, suppliers, traders and other businesses supporting the plant and its operations.
Devki Expects Cement Prices to Fall
Raval said increased domestic cement production could help reduce the cost of cement by bringing production closer to consumers.
He also defended increased competition in the cement industry, arguing that Kenya should develop local industrial capacity rather than rely on dominant foreign interests.
“In the beginning people were talking about monopoly. No, create the monopoly for Kenyans. Why do you want to create monopoly to other people?” he said.
Factory Expected to Start Operations Next Year
Devki Group said the factory is expected to begin operations in the middle of next year.
The company expects production to increase the supply of cement available to the Kenyan market while creating an industrial hub around the plant.
The project could also generate demand for transport, construction services, equipment, supplies and other businesses in Mwingi North and surrounding areas.
Devki Promises Community Projects
Beyond the industrial investment, Devki said it wants communities living around the factory to benefit directly from the project.
The company has pledged to support the construction of modern classrooms and an administration block at a local school.
It is also connecting the school to a reliable water supply to improve access to clean water for learners and staff.
Devki further plans to introduce a school feeding programme, with the possibility of extending it to other neighbouring schools.
