East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) has started the upgrade of its Athi River plant in Kenya as the company aims to improve reliability, increase production and enhance energy efficiency.

Joseph Kombo, head of production at EAPPC said the upgrade is focussed on the kiln and packing section of the cement works.

"In the packing plant, we are upgrading the mechanical and electrical components of the packers as well as improving the bag conveying system all geared towards improved the loading process and quick turnaround thus ensuring customer satisfaction," he told local press.

On the clinkering plant, the shutdown is extended to about six weeks from the usual three weeks due to the wide scope of the projects being undertaken by the company.

"We are installing a bag house to replace the electronic precipitators, retrofitting the raw-mill gear box, replacing three sections of the cement kiln shell and installing a radio link into the raw material handling sections, among others,” he added.