On September 12, 2024, we had the honor of hosting H.E. Salim Mvurya, E.G.H, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, at our Athi River Factory. This marked his first plant tour since assuming office. He was warmly welcomed by our Board and Management, led by Board Chair Brigadier (RTD) Richard Mbithi and Acting Managing Director Mr. Mohamed Osman.
During his visit, the Cabinet Secretary toured the plant, appreciating the enhanced operations that have resulted in increased cement output since the factory’s recommissioning in May, following a substantial KES 500 billion overhaul. He then met with staff, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting the manufacturing sector, with an ambitious goal of boosting its contribution to at least 20% of Kenya’s GDP by 2030.
C.S. Mvurya commended East African Portland Cement PLC’s employees for their hard work and noted the remarkable turnaround of the company. “EAPC PLC has tremendous potential for growth, and you have my full support and that of the Government,” he stated. His visit coincided with EAPC PLC achieving significant milestones, including record cement production of nearly 50,000 tonnes in August, a substantial increase from the previous monthly average of 20,000 tonnes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering local cement sector growth, highlighting the introduction of a 17.5% levy on clinker imports as one initiative aimed at reducing reliance on imported materials and promoting domestic industries. “This initiative is not just about protecting jobs and safeguarding local industries; it’s about laying the groundwork for a resilient and competitive economy,” the Cabinet Secretary emphasized.
C.S. Mvurya also visited EAPC PLC’s land, where the Export Processing Zones Authority plans to acquire 1,000 acres for allocation to over 45 local and foreign investors. This directive, issued by the President in October 2023, aims to expand manufacturing space in EPZ-A, creating substantial job opportunities for Kenyans and enhancing the country’s export competitiveness. “Currently, there are over 45 export-oriented investors waiting for industrial space at EPZ Athi River, and we will expedite the process to ensure they can benefit from the land,” he noted.
In his remarks, Brigadier (Rtd) Richard Mbithi, Chairman of the East African Portland Cement PLC Board, highlighted that C.S. Mvurya’s visit is timely in the company’s transformation journey. “Earlier this year, we undertook a comprehensive business reorganization, culminating in the recommissioning of our factory on May 8, 2024. Since then, our cement production has surged to nearly 50,000 tonnes as of August 2024. This reflects our team’s dedication and our commitment to the targets set in our Five-Year Strategic Plan, which aims for 83,000 tonnes per month,” he said. He added, “We are also proud to resume dividend payments for the first time in over a decade, funded through the sale of idle assets. This is a crucial step in restoring value for our shareholders, with future dividends expected to be sustained by operational profits. Additionally, we are conducting a Comprehensive Plant Technical Audit to further optimize operations, with plans to increase daily clinker production from 1,680 to 2,500 metric tonnes.”
Accompanying C.S. Mvurya on his visit were several dignitaries, including Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry; Mr. Richard Cheruiyot, Chairman of the Export Processing Zones Authority; Mr. Reuben Ng’ang’a, Machakos County Executive Committee Member for Lands, representing the Governor; Dr. Jeremiah Karimi, representing the Member of Parliament for Mavoko Constituency; and Mr. James Taari, Kajiado County Commissioner.
This initiative is not just about protecting jobs and safeguarding local industries; it’s about laying the groundwork for a resilient and competitive economy
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