Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta inaugurated a new cement clinker plant on 7 February.

National Cement Co invested US$280m in the 1.2Mta clinker plant as well as a 15MW power plant, located between Merrueshi and Mbirikani, Kajiado County, south of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

Mr Kenyatta said: “These jobs will teach our young people vital skills. These jobs will build the economy of this county. And these jobs that will have a multiplier effect right across the country.”

He highlighted the importance of the plant not only in terms of employment but also in the development of the country, lowering cement prices and improving housing in the east African nation. “The journey that started in Kajiado will continue in the rest of the country,”  he said, adding that plans are underway to build new cement and steel factories in three other counties.