INAUGURATION OF CEMTECH LIMITED CLINKER PLANT BOOSTS WEST POKOT ECONOMY
In a significant step towards sustainable economic growth, H.E. President William Ruto has officially inaugurated the Cemtech Limited Clinker Plant in Sebit, Kipkomo sub-county, West Pokot.
Valued at Ksh. 45 billion, the plant is set to change the county’s economic landscape, producing over two million tonnes of clinker annually, a vital component in cement manufacturing.
President Ruto said that his government was making another milestone in industrial footprint in Kenya through the Sebit Cement Factory. He noted that the plant will offer immense benefits to the local community and Kenya towards self reliance in respect to strategic goods.
“Over the past 5 years, the group has invested USD 1 billion dollars towards manufacturing. 1 billion dollars is big money in terms of investment, employing 12,000 Kenyans directly and many others indirectly,” noted the president.
He further pointed out that West Pokot County was about to experience economic resurgence and will have a new identity.
“West Pokot will have a new name; a county of opportunities, investment and development. We are going to change West Pokot,” noted the president.
Governor Simon Kachapin hailed the plant as a catalyst for investment and economic growth in the county. The governor extended his gratitude to the Devki group for their significant investment, emphasizing the wealth of opportunities that West Pokot holds for investors.
He pledged full support from the county government to investors , noting that the county is ripe for investment, calling on investors to invest in agriculture, mining and other sectors.
Speaking on the economic benefits of the factory, Devki Group Chairman Dr. Narendra Raval (Guru) outlined the potential for substantial savings by reducing imports and stabilizing the local currency.
He underscored the positive impact on employment, with the project providing jobs for 5,000 locals during the construction phase. Additionally, Guru emphasized the commitment to environmental protection had been prioritized, and that the factory will support affordable housing program through affordable cement and other materials for construction.
CS Rebecca Miano emphasizing the significance of the investment in contributing to the country's GDP and reducing reliance on imports.
CS Miano’s sentiments were echoed by CS Salim Mvurya who underscored the importance of utilizing Kenya's abundant resources, stressing the need to capitalize on domestic materials rather than importing them.
CS Kipchumba Murkomen lauded the investment as a testament to President Ruto's dedication to fostering economic growth and development in Kenya. The CS also touched upon upcoming infrastructure projects, including the construction of Moi Barracks to Murupus and plans to dual risky areas along the Kamatira area.
Present were CS Davis Chirchir- Energy and Petroleum, PS Alex Wachira, PS Elijah Mwangi, and PS Joel Arumonyang, alongside several Members of Parliament, Regional Commissioner Rift Valley Dr. Abdi Hassan, Speaker Fred Kaptui, several MCAs and other leaders.