NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Mining has ordered the immediate shutdown of operations at East Africa Portland Cement Company and its three limestone quarries over unpaid cement levies amounting to Ksh.500 million.
Director of Mining, Gregory Kituku, announced the decision, citing the company’s failure to remit the mandatory government levies while also accusing it of operating illegally since 2013.
“East Africa Portland Cement has been conducting mining activities without valid licenses for over a decade,” Kituku stated. “They have neglected their legal obligations to the government and the community.”
The quarries affected include two sites in Kajiado County—Portland Quarry and Sparetech Ltd—and the Kibini Quarry in Sultan Hamud.
Kituku revealed that 21 lorries, each carrying 30 tonnes of limestone, leave the Kajiado quarries daily, but the surrounding communities have reaped no benefits due to the company’s non-compliance with levy payments.
Further investigations by the Ministry also exposed safety lapses at the quarries, including a lack of protective gear for workers and improper registration of vehicles transporting raw materials.
Police officers have been deployed to the company’s headquarters and quarries to enforce the shutdown, effectively halting all mining activities.
While responding to the closure, a company supervisor described the move as unfortunate, highlighting its impact on employment.
“Hundreds of youth who rely on these quarries for jobs will now be left struggling. We urge the government to reconsider,” the supervisor said.
Director of Mining, Gregory Kituku, announced the decision, citing the company’s failure to remit the mandatory government levies while also accusing it of operating illegally since 2013.
“East Africa Portland Cement has been conducting mining activities without valid licenses for over a decade,” Kituku stated. “They have neglected their legal obligations to the government and the community.”
The quarries affected include two sites in Kajiado County—Portland Quarry and Sparetech Ltd—and the Kibini Quarry in Sultan Hamud.
Kituku revealed that 21 lorries, each carrying 30 tonnes of limestone, leave the Kajiado quarries daily, but the surrounding communities have reaped no benefits due to the company’s non-compliance with levy payments.
Further investigations by the Ministry also exposed safety lapses at the quarries, including a lack of protective gear for workers and improper registration of vehicles transporting raw materials.
Police officers have been deployed to the company’s headquarters and quarries to enforce the shutdown, effectively halting all mining activities.
While responding to the closure, a company supervisor described the move as unfortunate, highlighting its impact on employment.
“Hundreds of youth who rely on these quarries for jobs will now be left struggling. We urge the government to reconsider,” the supervisor said.
