President William Ruto has officially launched a major investment in Kenya’s cement industry with the signing of the Matuga Clinker line contract in Kwale County, describing the project as a cornerstone of national industrialization and economic transformation.
Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Ruto emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the government’s broader manufacturing agenda, and the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
“This partnership reflects Kenya's growing integration into global industrial value chains and aligns closely with our national industrialization agenda,” he said.
The President highlighted that cement remains a critical pillar of Kenya’s economic growth, underpinning infrastructure, housing, transport, energy, and industrial investments.
“Strengthening clean production capacity is fundamental to securing the cement value chain and safeguarding the long-term competitiveness of all sectors,” Ruto noted, adding that the Sh32 billion partnership with SINOMA- CBMI Construction Company combines local operational expertise with global technical knowledge in cement engineering.
Ruto stressed that targeted investments in the cement sector, such as the Matuga Clinker line, will create jobs, support skills development, stimulate local enterprises, and contribute to community development in Kwale County.
“This project is expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities, support technology transfer, and contribute meaningfully to local economic growth,” he said.
He also highlighted similar projects already underway in West Pokot and Kitui, signaling a balanced regional approach to industrialization.
Linking the project to Kenya’s broader infrastructure agenda, Ruto outlined ambitious plans for roads, railways, energy generation, airport modernization, and irrigation to drive productivity across multiple sectors.
“Every kilometer of road, every power plant, every dam and irrigation canal, and every factory depends on a reliable, competitive, and sustainable cement value chain,” he said.
The President also called on industry players to scale up capacity, invest in clean production, and leverage local raw materials to reduce imports.
“We cannot import what we can produce in Kenya… we will create our own value using our own raw materials,” he said, noting that Kenya imports billions in food and raw materials that could be locally produced.
Ruto further highlighted the environmental aspect of the investment, encouraging the adoption of cleaner fuels, energy efficiency, and modern technologies to reduce emissions while maintaining competitiveness. The project is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains, support Kenya’s affordable housing program, and position the country on a sustainable industrial growth path.
“The Matuga Clinker line is not an isolated investment; it is a foundational catalyst for Kenya’s national transformation,” Ruto concluded, pledging government support and encouraging further private sector investment.
