Kitui Set to Get First Cement Plant Following Sh70 Billion Devki Investment
Kitui County is poised for a major industrial transformation following a multibillion-shilling investment by Devki Group in a new cement and clinker manufacturing plant in Ngaaie, Mwingi North. The project is expected to strengthen Kenya’s cement production capacity, create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the wider Ukambani region.
The investment, valued at Sh70 billion by President William Ruto, is among the major private-sector developments expected to reshape the economic outlook of eastern Kenya. The plant is being developed by National Cement Company Limited, which operates under Devki Group, led by industrialist Narendra Raval. The groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, with President Ruto expected to preside over the event. Construction at the site had already begun in September.
The facility will be Kitui County’s first cement manufacturing plant, placing the county among Kenya’s emerging destinations for large-scale industrial investment. Its location in Ngaaie is strategic because the surrounding area contains substantial limestone deposits, a critical raw material used in cement production.
For residents of Mwingi North and neighbouring areas, the project represents more than the construction of a factory. It offers the possibility of new jobs, increased commercial activity, better opportunities for local suppliers and a shift from dependence on traditional economic activities towards manufacturing.
The investment also comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to expand domestic production, attract private capital and create employment for young people entering the labour market.
A major investment built around Kitui’s natural resources
The decision to establish the factory in Ngaaie reflects the economic potential of Kitui’s mineral resources. Limestone is one of the principal raw materials used in cement manufacturing, and its availability near the proposed facility could help reduce the cost of transporting raw materials over long distances.
Cement production involves several stages, beginning with the extraction and preparation of limestone and other raw materials. These materials are processed at high temperatures to produce clinker, which is then ground with other ingredients to manufacture cement.
Clinker is particularly important because it is the main intermediate product used in cement production. Establishing clinker manufacturing capacity close to limestone deposits can help reduce reliance on imported supplies and improve the efficiency of the domestic cement industry.
Devki Group has been expanding its presence in Kenya’s manufacturing sector through investments in cement, steel and other construction materials. The Kitui project will extend the company’s industrial footprint into eastern Kenya and complement its existing operations.
The investment has been reported at different values, with several earlier reports placing it at approximately Sh50 billion to Sh55 billion, while President Ruto has cited Sh70 billion. The final publicly confirmed investment figure and the plant’s precise production capacity will be important details to establish as more information becomes available.
The project has also revived a long-standing industrial ambition for Ngaaie. The area previously attracted interest from Athi River Mining, which had plans to develop a cement facility before encountering financial difficulties. The acquisition of ARM’s Kenyan assets by Devki’s National Cement in 2020 created a pathway for the mineral resources to be developed under a new ownership structure.
The current project therefore represents an important step towards turning Kitui’s mineral potential into large-scale manufacturing activity.
Thousands of jobs expected as construction progresses
Employment is among the most significant benefits expected from the investment. The factory will require workers during construction and, later, employees to operate and maintain the manufacturing facility.
Construction creates demand for a wide range of skills, including masonry, welding, electrical installation, mechanical work, equipment operation, transport and general labour. Contractors and suppliers may also need additional workers to meet project requirements.
President Ruto has said the investment is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities for young people. People Daily reported his projection of approximately 4,200 jobs, although Devki’s earlier public announcements did not provide a final staffing breakdown. Other reports have cited between 3,000 and 3,200 permanent positions once the plant is fully operational. These figures refer to different reported expectations and should not be treated as a single confirmed employment commitment.
The distinction between temporary construction jobs and permanent factory employment is important. Construction projects often employ large workforces for a limited period, while the number of workers retained after commissioning depends on the facility’s design, production capacity and operating requirements.
Even so, the construction phase can provide valuable experience for local workers and create opportunities for small contractors. If residents gain relevant technical skills, some may also benefit from future employment in other industrial projects.
For young people in Mwingi North, the investment could provide opportunities closer to home instead of requiring them to move to Nairobi, Athi River, Mombasa or other industrial centres in search of work.
The company and relevant public institutions will need to communicate recruitment procedures clearly to ensure that applicants understand the qualifications required and can access legitimate opportunities. Transparent recruitment will also be important in preventing exploitation by individuals who may falsely claim to offer jobs in exchange for money.
The long-term employment impact will depend on how many local residents are recruited, the skills they acquire and whether the company creates opportunities for workers to advance into technical and supervisory positions.
Local businesses already seeing new opportunities
The economic impact of the project is extending beyond the factory site. As construction activity increases, workers require food, transport, accommodation, water, clothing, tools and other essential services.
This demand can create opportunities for traders, food vendors, boda boda operators, landlords and small business owners in nearby settlements.
A report by The Star published in September described how the construction project was already changing commercial activity around Kanana village in Ngaaie. Traders were selling food, clothing and work-related supplies, while boda boda operators were transporting workers between the site and nearby trading centres. Some residents were also building rental houses to accommodate the growing workforce.
These developments demonstrate how a major industrial project can stimulate economic activity before a factory begins producing its first bag of cement.
A food vendor may benefit from serving workers every day. A local transport operator may earn additional income from regular trips. Property owners may find new tenants, while suppliers of construction materials may receive additional orders.
The benefits can spread further if local businesses are able to secure contracts to supply goods and services to the factory and its contractors.
For this to happen, businesses will need information about procurement requirements, quality standards, delivery schedules and payment arrangements. Local entrepreneurs may also need support to expand their operations and meet the demands of a large industrial customer.
County authorities and business organisations can help by connecting local suppliers with legitimate procurement opportunities and encouraging small enterprises to formalise their operations.
However, the expansion of business activity will also require careful planning. Rapid population growth around an industrial site can put pressure on housing, water, sanitation, roads and other essential services. If these needs are not addressed, some residents may experience rising living costs without receiving a proportionate share of the economic benefits.
Could the investment lower cement prices?
The new factory is expected to strengthen domestic cement production and could help reduce some of the costs associated with transporting construction materials to markets in eastern and northern Kenya.
Cement is an essential input in housing, roads, schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and other infrastructure projects. Its price affects both large construction companies and ordinary households building homes.
When cement is transported over long distances, distribution expenses contribute to the final price paid by consumers. Producing more cement and clinker closer to regional markets could help reduce some of these costs.
The plant could also reduce the industry’s dependence on imported clinker, potentially limiting exposure to international shipping costs, foreign exchange movements and supply disruptions.
However, lower production and transport costs do not automatically guarantee lower retail prices. The final price will also depend on electricity and fuel costs, production efficiency, taxes, distribution expenses, market competition and the volume of cement the facility produces.
Devki Group has previously argued that expanding local production can help make cement more accessible to consumers. The actual effect on prices will become clearer once the plant begins operating and its output enters the market.
The investment could nevertheless strengthen Kenya’s ability to supply its construction sector from domestic manufacturing facilities.
For builders and households in Kitui and neighbouring counties, the potential benefit will be greatest if increased local production translates into reliable supplies and competitive prices.
Kitui’s opportunity to become an industrial destination
The plant could change how investors view Kitui County, which has substantial mineral resources but has historically attracted fewer large-scale industrial projects than established manufacturing centres.
The availability of limestone gives the county a natural advantage in cement and clinker production. But mineral deposits alone cannot create a thriving industrial economy. They must be supported by electricity, roads, water, skilled labour, reliable logistics and an environment in which businesses can operate sustainably.
The Ngaaie project could help stimulate demand for some of these services. A large factory requires reliable transport links to bring in materials and distribute finished products. It also needs electricity, maintenance services, telecommunications and access to a workforce.
As these requirements grow, they can encourage further investment in surrounding infrastructure and commercial services.
Other businesses may also consider establishing operations nearby if they see opportunities to supply the factory or serve its workers. These could include transport companies, equipment repair workshops, warehouses, construction suppliers and accommodation providers.
The emergence of such businesses would help diversify the local economy and create employment beyond cement manufacturing itself.
Kitui County could also benefit from improved government attention to infrastructure and investment promotion. However, the success of the project should not be measured only by the size of the investment. The more important question is whether the factory contributes to lasting economic opportunities for residents.
That will depend on the extent of local employment, the participation of small businesses, the development of technical skills and the responsible use of the county’s natural resources.
Government promises to protect investors from extortion
As the project moves forward, the national government has also highlighted the need to protect investors from corruption and unlawful demands.
President Ruto recently warned brokers and alleged extortionists against demanding bribes or shares from investors. He argued that such practices discourage businesses from investing and undermine efforts to expand manufacturing and create jobs.
The warning reflects a wider challenge facing investment projects in Kenya. Businesses need clear rules, predictable approval processes and confidence that their investments will be protected under the law.
At the same time, protecting investors must go hand in hand with enforcing labour laws, environmental standards, fair procurement procedures and legitimate community rights.
Investors should not face unlawful demands, but communities should also have accessible mechanisms for raising concerns about land, compensation, pollution and other impacts associated with industrial development.
A transparent investment environment benefits both sides. Businesses can operate with greater certainty, while residents have a clearer path to ensuring that development respects their rights and contributes to the public interest.
For the Ngaaie project, consistent enforcement of the law and open communication between the company, government agencies and surrounding communities will be important throughout construction and operation.
Environmental protection and community concerns
Large cement and clinker plants can bring economic benefits, but they also require careful environmental management.
Cement manufacturing involves energy-intensive processes, and activities such as limestone extraction, crushing, grinding and material handling can generate dust, noise and heavy vehicle traffic. The potential effects depend on the plant’s design, operating practices, environmental controls and the conditions of the surrounding area.
The Ngaaie project has previously faced concerns relating to land compensation. In 2024, residents raised disputes involving compensation claims for graves and other developments on land associated with the proposed factory. The issue illustrated the importance of resolving outstanding community concerns as industrial development progresses.
Such issues should not be overlooked simply because a project promises jobs and economic growth.
The company and relevant regulators need to ensure that operations comply with environmental requirements, that affected residents can raise concerns and that any valid compensation obligations are addressed through appropriate processes.
Dust-control systems, emissions monitoring, safe handling of materials, responsible mining practices and regular environmental assessments will be important to limiting the impact of operations.
Water management will also require attention, particularly because industrial facilities and growing settlements can increase demand for local water supplies.
Environmental protection should be viewed as part of the investment’s long-term success rather than an obstacle to development. A factory that creates employment while safeguarding public health and the surrounding environment is more likely to maintain the confidence of neighbouring communities.
What happens next?
The next major milestone will be the completion of construction and the start of commercial operations. Devki has indicated that the plant is expected to begin operating around the middle of 2027, although the schedule will depend on construction progress, installation of equipment, commissioning and the completion of necessary regulatory requirements.
The period leading up to commissioning will be important for local residents and businesses preparing to benefit from the project.
Young people can monitor official recruitment announcements and seek training in relevant technical and industrial skills. Small businesses can explore opportunities to supply goods and services, while local authorities can plan for the increased demand for housing, transport, water and other services.
The company will also need to provide clear information about the plant’s production capacity, recruitment plans, environmental safeguards and opportunities for local suppliers.
These details will help residents assess how the project is progressing and what benefits they can reasonably expect.
Once the factory becomes operational, its impact will depend on its ability to produce consistently, compete in the market and build effective relationships with the surrounding community.
Kitui County is approaching an important milestone in its industrial development with Devki Group’s planned cement and clinker plant in Ngaaie, Mwingi North.
The investment, which President William Ruto has valued at Sh70 billion, is expected to expand Kenya’s manufacturing capacity, create employment and stimulate business activity across the region. It also offers an opportunity to turn Kitui’s limestone resources into a foundation for wider economic growth.
The benefits could extend beyond the factory through jobs, transport services, local suppliers, rental housing and increased demand for essential goods and services. Greater domestic cement production could also help strengthen supply and potentially reduce some distribution costs.
However, the project’s success will ultimately depend on more than its financial value. It will be measured by the jobs created, the opportunities available to local businesses, the affordability of cement, environmental protection and the extent to which surrounding communities benefit.
If these priorities are addressed, the Ngaaie plant could become a major industrial asset for Kitui County and a significant contributor to Kenya’s wider manufacturing ambitions.
