Keep negative politics from investments, Ruto says as Ngaaie cement factory launched

By PCS

The President said the project, which is being undertaken by the Devki Group, will use local materials to make clinker, the raw ingredient in cement manufacturing.

Speaking during the launch on Tuesday, he said the investment will transform the region's abundant limestone deposits into industrial wealth, boost local business and create 4,000 jobs during construction.

Upon completion in August 2027, he pointed out, the project will directly employ more than 3,000 Kenyans and open up vast opportunities for the local economy.

"Through strategic investments such as this, we will strengthen local manufacturing, reduce reliance on imports and turn Kenya into a leading exporter in East Africa and beyond," President Ruto stated.

The President said his administration will continue to be "relentless in positioning Kenya as a leading destination for investment" by unlocking the country's natural resources and creating an enabling environment for business to thrive.

The President reiterated his commitment to ensure investors are protected from shylocks, brokers and extortionists keen to reap where they did not sow. 

"I want to assure all our investors, foreign and local, that the Government of Kenya will provide an environment conducive to their investments. We will protect investors from extortionists,” he emphasised. 

He regretted that some extortionists have frustrated investors in the country for far too long, saying their "monkey business" has undermined Kenya but is now over. 

"Some of these fellows recently demanded agreements from Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote on the Lamu refinery project. Why have they not demanded an agreement from Mr Narendra Raval for this investment? We know what they are after," President Ruto pointed out. 

The President urged Kenyans to protect investments "from negative politics", accused some politicians of politicising such projects to achieve their selfish gains. 

"When some politicians oppose a certain project, they don't do it because they have the interest of the people. It's because they are pursuing their own selfish ends. This is why Kenyans must be wary of such leaders," he explained.

He commended residents of Nyeri County for recently telling off politicians who had attempted to block an investor.

"I want to thank the people of Nyeri for ignoring the politicians and insisting on public participation for the project. They approved it," the President disclosed.

At the same time, President Ruto said Mr  Raval plans to establish a cement factory in Kwale and expand another in West Pokot, pointing out that they are part of the Government's plan to create more jobs and wealth, and boost the country’s economy. 

"We must always look at how we create opportunities in Kenya. It doesn’t matter who creates the opportunities. We must support everyone and every investor who wants to invest in Kenya. We must give them support,” he pointed out. 

The President commended Mr Raval, popularly known as Nguru, for committing substantial resources to the project.

For generations, the President said, the people of Ngaaie have known the wealth beneath their feet. 

"They have seen the limestone in these hills and envisioned the factories, businesses and jobs that this resource could support. Today, we take a decisive step towards turning that potential into prosperity," he said. 

The President commended the Devki Group for the investment and for its continued confidence in Kenya. 

"I also recognise the people of Ngaaie and the leadership of Kitui County, whose partnership will be essential to the success of this undertaking," he said. 

President Ruto went on: "The purpose of this investment is clear: To turn the resources of this land into productive work, thriving businesses and better incomes for our people. The value of the limestone beneath our feet must be felt in the lives of the families who live above it."

By producing clinker locally, he explained, the country retains more value within its economy, creates wealth and skilled jobs, builds technical expertise and strengthens industrial capacity in Kenya. 

"That is why, in 2023, we introduced the Export and Investment Promotion Levy on imported clinker to encourage domestic production," he explained.

He added: "Our policy must give investors the confidence to build factories while ensuring that increased production delivers quality, competition and affordable prices," President Ruto explained. 

In April 2024, the President said, he commissioned Devki’s clinker plant at Sebit in West Pokot, saying now the facility has a daily production capacity of 6,000 tonnes. 

"Today, we take another step here in Kitui, expanding the country’s capacity to turn its mineral resources into manufactured products," he said. 

The President pointed out that these investments demonstrate what becomes possible when enterprise, public policy and local opportunity come together. 

"Our responsibility as Government is to make that partnership work through reliable infrastructure, efficient public services and a predictable investment environment," he said. 

Saying Kenya is building and the demand for construction materials is substantial, President Ruto noted that cement production increased from 8.85 million tonnes in 2024 to 10.44 million tonnes in 2025, an increase of 18 per cent.

"We have sustained that momentum. In the first eight months of this year, production has reached 7.62 million tonnes, compared with 6.68 million at the same period last year, representing a growth of 14 per cent," he said. 

Meanwhile, the President said the country’s ambition must extend beyond supplying the Kenyan market.

"We must build industries capable of winning business across East Africa and the continent. A factory succeeds when its products compete on quality, price and reliability," he said. 

At the same time,  President Ruto urged the Devki Group to work closely with technical and vocational institutions to develop apprenticeships and practical training.

"Young people from this region should have a clear pathway into the technical, operational and managerial roles that a modern factory requires," he said. 

The President said local enterprises must also be enabled to participate, adding that transporters, maintenance firms, food suppliers, traders and other service providers should have a fair opportunity to compete for business. 

"This partnership must be built on fair treatment, safe workplaces, responsible water use, effective dust control, and rehabilitation of mined land," President Ruto stated.

On another matter, President Ruto expressed his commitment to end the mineral monopoly at Lake Magadi in Kajiado County.

The President directed Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, who was present, to ensure that future mining contracts in Magadi were only awarded to companies committed to local mineral processing.

"I want to assure Kenyans that, following the directive of the President, the ministry has created the necessary incentives to ensure all minerals undergo value addition before they are exported," he said.

Mr Raval thanked the people of Ngaaie for supporting the project, saying the leaders had wanted it to be situated in Mwingi Town, 15km from where it has been launched, against the wishes of the people.

"Leaders should always support projects that have a direct impact on the lives of Kenyans," Mr Raval said. 

He added: "The Devki Group does not work with any wrong motive. Because of pressure from the leaders, we were to put up this plant in Mwingi town and not Ngaaie. Materials are here yet they wanted me to put it 15km away. But the people wanted it here."