President William Ruto has launched a Sh70 billion cement and clinker factory in Kitui County, warning politicians, brokers and so-called extortionists against frustrating investors seeking to establish businesses in Kenya.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at Ngaaie in Mwingi North on Tuesday, October 27, Ruto said the government would protect local and foreign investors from individuals demanding bribes, shares and other benefits from investment projects.
The factory, being developed by Devki Group, is expected to create 4,000 jobs during construction and directly employ more than 3,000 Kenyans once completed in August 2027.
"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," Ruto said.
The President accused some politicians of opposing development projects for personal gain, arguing that political interference had discouraged investment and denied Kenyans employment opportunities.
"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," he said.
Ruto cited the proposed Lamu refinery investment by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, questioning why some individuals had allegedly demanded agreements from the investor.
"Why have they not demanded an agreement from Mr Narendra Raval for this investment? We know what they are after," he said.
The President said the Kitui factory would exploit locally available limestone deposits to manufacture clinker, a key ingredient in cement production, reducing dependence on imports.
He maintained that expanding local manufacturing would create jobs, strengthen Kenya's industrial capacity and position the country as a competitive exporter in East Africa.
"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," Ruto stated.
He disclosed that Devki Group chairman Narendra Raval also plans to establish a cement factory in Kwale and expand operations in West Pokot.
Ruto said Kenya's cement production increased by 18 per cent, from 8.85 million tonnes in 2024 to 10.44 million tonnes in 2025.
Production also rose by 14 per cent in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the President.
He urged Devki Group to prioritize local employment, partner with technical training institutions and ensure surrounding communities benefit from business opportunities.
Raval, meanwhile, claimed some local leaders had pressured the company to relocate the project to Mwingi Town, about 15 kilometres from Ngaaie, despite the availability of raw materials at the selected site.
"Materials are here yet they wanted me to put it 15km away. But the people wanted it here," Raval said.
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