NAIROBI, Kenya- Devki Group chairman Narendra Raval says the company has invested Sh70 billion in its cement and clinker plant in Ngaaie, Kitui County, where he said 4,000 Kenyans are already employed.
Raval spoke during the plant’s groundbreaking ceremony, attended by President William Ruto and top government officials.
The project is being developed by Devki Group’s National Cement Company and is expected to become Kitui’s first cement manufacturing plant.
“We have invested Sh70 billion in the Kitui project and are currently employing 4,000 Kenyans,” Raval said.
The company has said the plant will use locally available materials, including limestone, to produce clinker, a key ingredient in cement.
Devki began construction at the site in September and has previously said the facility could begin operations around mid-2027.
Raval speaks about pressure over site
Raval said the company had considered locating the plant elsewhere after facing pressure from unnamed leaders over its location.
“Because of the pressure from the leaders we were to put this plant in Mwingi and not Ngaaie. Materials are here yet they wanted me to put it 15km away,” he said.
He said the company had been considering the project for about a decade and rejected suggestions that Devki was pursuing improper motives.
“Devki Group does not work with any wrong motive,” Raval said. “I am a businessman and I only fear God.”
Raval also described Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka as a close friend.
“Kalonzo Musyoka is a very good friend of mine, and we pray that he will be in the government,” he said.
Mwingi North MP Vincent Kawaya said local leaders would support investors and oppose attempts to obstruct projects.
“We will not allow any leader to stop projects from the investors. A small city will grow out of this particular investment. Investors should not succumb to extortionists,” the MP said.
Ruto urges support for investors
Ruto called on leaders to focus on the potential benefits of investment, saying criticism had also followed the development of other factories.
“When we were doing this, the naysayers were telling us that so and so has shares in Guru’s factory. We must always focus on the bigger picture and support every investor who wants to put their money in Kenya,” the President said.
The plant is expected to support manufacturing and create business opportunities in transport, supply and distribution.
Any effect on cement prices will depend on production costs, output and competition in the market.
