NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 8 – President William Ruto Monday opened the Cemtech Factory for cement manufacturing in West Pokot saying it will boost the county’s infrastructure.
According to the head of state, the plant aims at producing 6,000 metric tons of cement daily, boosting its annual capacity to 2 million tons thereby growing its outreach to meet the needs of East Africa.
President Ruto emphasized that the construction of the cement factory will have of great economic impact on the country having created job opportunities for over 2500 residents of West Pokot directly and indirectly.
“For the last six years manufacturing has come down from 9 pc of GDP to 7.2 percent, our plan is to take it to 20 pc of GDP and it will not go there through miracles but through investment,” President Ruto said.
He noted that there will be a reduction in the price of cement that will facilitate the housing units to cater for manpower for 3000 people working in the Pokot south housing program.
“We are going to change west Pokot if you didn’t believe it then, then believe now,” President Ruto stated.
The factory is owned by Cemtech Limited (parent company), a subsidiary of Devki Group.
According to Devki chairman Narendra Raval, the factory began its construction in 2010 Sebit Limestone mines in Kipkomo sub-county, however, no developments were made for 13 years after the groundbreaking was done by Raila Odinga .
Narendra cited that despite cases of insecurities within the West Pokot region, he highlighted that investing in the area was one of the best decisions he made.
“The objective is to transform the perception of West Pokot by dispelling negative stereotypes and promoting sustainable development in the area, I urge the community to support the project as they stand to benefit immensely from it,” said Narendra Raval.
However,Ruto said that by Wednesday the Kenya Defence Forces will be in the region to ensure that there is security in West Pokot so as to facilitate the smooth running of the plant.
