West Pokot cement plant faces further construction delays

Simba Cement has come up against logistical difficulties in the construction of its West Pokot cement plant in Kenya. The project has been in planning for a decade and Simba Cement (National Cement - Devki Group) took over the project when it acquired the Indian company Cemtech Ltd earlier this year.

The completion of the factory in Ortum is expected to be delayed by one year and Simba Cement intends to hold public consulations and forums with local residents about the process having received the licence approval for the project.

"By giving out the licence, this does not amount to selling the land but leasing it purposely for mining minerals within the Ortum belt," said John Lonyangapuo, West Pokot's governor, adding that the investment will help reduce poverty levels in the county.