Kenya: Pokot residents excited about cement factory
Construction of a cement factory in Pokot will transform the livelihood of the local community by providing income that will improve their living standards, district development officer Ms Gladys Kinyua has said. And with this, members of the community are already expressing high socio-economic expectations.
The move follows endorsement of Cemtech Limited, a subsidiary of an Indian company, with rights to establish a cement factory at Ortum in Pokot Central District.
Pokot County Council chairman Mr David Moiben disclosed yesterday that the company has forwarded a proposal and work plan worth over Sh8.1bn (US$23.1m) to build the cement factory at Sebit and Chebchoi area.
Construction of the plant is expected to commence next month. Members of the community called on the government to fast track the issuance of an industrial license to enable the company commence construction work.
Another cement manufacturing company, Mehta Group has also expressed interest in putting up a processing plant in Ortum.
“The government will supply electricity to Ortum under the rural electrification programme to enable the investor put up the factory,” Mr Moiben said.
He added that water supply will be connected to the site to speed up the construction process, noting that the project will boost the socio-economic status of the locals.
“We expect council revenue to increase following the construction of the factory. It will also create multiplier effect as it will promote the establishment of small and medium scale enterprises,” said Mr Moiben.
Ms Kinyua disclosed that the district was endored with untapped minerals such as gold, rupees and green-jennet and challenged other investors to explore the potential.
Published under Cement News
