Devki Group has initiated the construction of a Ksh 50 billion cement factory in Kitui County, Kenya. The investment is expected to transform the county into an industrial and economic zone. According to Dr. Narendra Raval, Executive Chairman of Devki Group, the cement factory will create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and improve the livelihoods of communities living around the factory. The project is set to begin operations mid-next year.
The cement plant, located in Ngaaie area of Mwingi North, is the first cement manufacturing facility in Kitui County. The area is endowed with vast limestone deposits, making it an ideal location for the factory. Thousands of local residents are already benefiting from employment and emerging business opportunities in and around the upcoming factory. Dr. Raval noted that once the plant reaches its full production, it will create additional direct and indirect employment.
The increased production of cement is expected to help lower the cost of the commodity by bringing production closer to the market. Dr. Raval emphasized the importance of industrialization in creating jobs for the youth, stating that "we talk about GenZ but this is the only way for them to work." He added that the company aims to be a good neighbour by ensuring communities around its operations reap maximum social benefits from the project.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, Devki Group has pledged to support the construction of modern classrooms and an administration block for one of the local schools. The company is also connecting the school to a reliable water supply, which is expected to improve access to clean water for learners and the institution. Additionally, the company will introduce a school feeding programme, with plans to extend the initiative to other neighbouring schools.
The multi-billion shillings investment comes as Kitui seeks to harness its mineral resources to drive industrialisation and grow the local economy. Dr. Raval stated that the ultimate objective was to improve the lives of the people while ensuring the investment becomes a catalyst for wider economic growth in the region. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
The cement factory is expected to create opportunities for transporters, suppliers, traders, and other businesses. Dr. Raval noted that the company's investment is guided by the need to be a good neighbour and ensure that communities around its operations benefit from the project. The company aims to make a positive impact on the local community.
The construction of the cement factory is a significant investment in Kenya's industrial sector. With the project expected to create jobs and stimulate local businesses, it is seen as a catalyst for economic growth in the region. Key aspects of the project include the creation of employment opportunities, stimulation of local businesses, and improvement of livelihoods of communities living around the factory.
Key points
- Devki Group's Ksh 50 billion cement factory investment in Kitui County aims to create jobs and stimulate local economy.
- The cement factory is expected to begin operations mid-next year and create additional direct and indirect employment.
- The company has pledged to support the construction of modern classrooms and an administration block for one of the local schools.
