Consortium applies to build 1Mta grinding unit in Athi River

A consortium of local quarry operators and institutional investors are planning to establish a KES5bn (US$48.3m) cement plant in Athi River, Kenya.

Global Choice Ltd will build a 1Mta grinding unit at the location. Roller press technology will be used to produce 3000tpd of cement. Clinker for the plan will be imported and transported via the standard gauge railway while pozzolana and gypsum will be locally sourced, creating new revenues for the quarry operators.

The company is currently awaiting approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to build the proposed 1Mta grinding plant and will start making payments for the importation of equipment as soon as NEMA signals the go-ahead. At present, the environment agency has invited written comments and oral submissions in the next 30 days to determine the need for a new factory at the location. The Athi River area currently hosts six cement factories, including Bamburi, ARM Cement, Savannah, National Cement, East African Portland Cement Co Ltd and Mombasa Cement.