Kenya: locals request priority in EAPCC land sale

East Africa Portland Cement Co (EAPCC) has proposed the disposal of parcels of land and residents in some of the areas have requested priority in the sale.

On 17 November 2016, Athi River-based company EAPCC announced plans to sell parcels of its land in an attempt to raise approximately KES8bn (US$78.3m). The company has suggested the proceeds could go towards retiring KES5bn of debt.

As the state controls 52.3 per cent of the company (25.3 per cent directly by the Ministry of Industry, 27 per cent through the National Social Security Fund), the company successfully sought Cabinet approval of its plans to sell.

EAPCC has offered 2000 acres in the sale to the government for a price of KES10bn, therefore valuing the land at KES5m/acre. Athi River residents have asked to be considered as buyers in the sale but have said they are not able to match this price quotation. Locals said that over 300 families live on the land, but they have been unable to set up utilities such as schools and hospitals because the land is privately owned by EAPCC.