East African Portland Cement to lay off all workers

Kenya-based East African Portland Cement Co (EAPCC) has announced plans to lay off its workers due to the company’s financial issues, according to Standard Digital. However, employees will be encouraged to apply for subsequently reconfigured positions.

“The company is now faced with the need to restructure its operations, which will include a staff rationalisation programme to balance our running costs and current levels of productivity,” says EAPCC’s Acting Managing Director, Stephen Nthei.

In March, Kenya’s Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary, Peter Munya, said the government had started laying the groundwork for the company’s revival, including a change of management and the modernisation of the Athi River plant. He said that EAPC, which indicated it needs at least KES15bn (US$145.3m) to stay afloat, has the potential survive if funding is forthcoming. “We as the Government are kin on reviving EAPCC and we have carried out due diligence on the existing loopholes leading to the losses,’’ said Mr Munya.