President Ruto Unveils Ksh47.8 Billion Plan for Kenya’s Largest Clinker Factory in Kitui

President William Ruto has announced an ambitious industrial investment in Kitui County—a Ksh47.8 billion clinker manufacturing plant set to break ground in January 2026. 

The facility, once operational, will become the largest clinker factory in Kenya and a central pillar in the government’s push to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

Addressing residents and local leaders during the unveiling, President Ruto described the project as a “transformational milestone” for the Lower Eastern region and a key driver in Kenya’s long-term industrialisation agenda. 

According to the President, the factory represents more than a manufacturing venture; it signals Kenya’s intent to position itself as a regional powerhouse in the construction materials sector.

Clinker, the grey nodules used to produce cement, remains one of the most in-demand industrial materials in Kenya’s booming construction industry.

For years, the country has grappled with chronic shortages, forcing cement manufacturers to import large quantities—mostly from Egypt and the Middle East. 

The imports, which consume billions in foreign exchange annually, also expose local prices to global supply shocks.

The new Kitui plant is expected to significantly reverse this trend. Kitui County is home to vast and largely untapped limestone deposits, the primary raw material for clinker production. 

By tapping these reserves, the facility will sharply increase domestic output and push Kenya closer to self-sufficiency.

President Ruto emphasised that the investment is aligned with the government’s broader bottom-up economic transformation goals, creating opportunities not only for industry players but also for local communities. 

“This project is not just about producing clinker; it is about building self-reliance,” he said. 

“By manufacturing locally, we save foreign currency, stabilise construction costs, and create long-term, sustainable employment for our people.”

Economic analysts have noted that the project will bring substantial direct and indirect benefits to Kitui’s economy. 

Thousands of jobs are expected to emerge during the construction and operational phases, ranging from skilled technical positions to roles across transport, mining, security, and equipment maintenance. 

The factory’s presence is also projected to stimulate demand for ancillary services, including hospitality, retail, logistics, and engineering consultancy.

Beyond employment, the development is poised to catalyse improvements in local infrastructure. Heavy industrial operations will require enhanced road networks, reliable power supply, and expanded water resources. 

These upgrades are expected to extend benefits to surrounding communities, making the area more attractive to future investors.

The project also complements other recent expansions in Kenya’s clinker production sector. The Devki Steel and Cement clinker plant in West Pokot, commissioned earlier, has already strengthened national supply. 

The forthcoming Kitui facility will add a substantial new layer of capacity, providing an industrial backbone that supports the country’s construction boom and its growing real estate, roads, and public works sectors.

Regional market dynamics further enhance the significance of the investment. As a member of the East African Community (EAC), Kenya stands to benefit from increased demand for construction materials in neighbouring countries. 

With strong production capacity, the Kitui plant positions Kenya as a potential net exporter of clinker, thereby boosting regional trade competitiveness.

Local leaders have welcomed the announcement, saying it marks a new chapter in Kitui’s economic development. 

The county, traditionally dependent on agriculture and small-scale mining, is expected to evolve into a major industrial hub with long-term revenue generation potential.