Ruto Says KSh32 Billion Bamburi Clinker Project Key to KSh5 Trillion Development Agenda

President William Ruto has said Kenya will realise its KSh5 trillion rapid national development ambition through deliberate support for strategic public and private investments that strengthen industrial capacity and accelerate economic transformation.

The President spoke in Nairobi during the signing of a KSh32 billion contract between Bamburi Cement PLC and SINOMA–CBMI Construction Co. Ltd for the development of a new clinker production line in Matuga, Kwale County.

Ruto described the project as a critical milestone in Kenya’s industrialisation journey, noting that the cement sector remains a key pillar supporting major national infrastructure investments, including housing, transport, energy and manufacturing.

He said the partnership will strengthen domestic clinker production capacity, reduce reliance on imports and enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Kenya’s cement industry by combining Bamburi Cement’s local market experience with SINOMA–CBMI’s global technical expertise.

The President noted that the investment aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the government’s broader manufacturing transformation strategy, with a strong focus on job creation, value addition and regional industrial development.

Ruto further linked the project to the government’s ambitious infrastructure programme, which includes road expansion, railway development, energy generation, irrigation through dam construction and modernization of ports and airports, all aimed at positioning Kenya on a path to first-world economic status.

He emphasised that the cement industry is central to this agenda, as it underpins the delivery of strategic projects such as roads, dams, power plants and factories, adding that investments like the Matuga clinker line serve as foundational catalysts for national transformation.

At the same time, the President said the government is keen to ensure that industrial growth goes hand in hand with environmental sustainability, encouraging the adoption of cleaner, energy-efficient and low-carbon production technologies in the cement sector.

Ruto also highlighted the project’s importance to Kwale County and the wider Coast region, saying it will create direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate local enterprises and supply chains, support skills development and promote balanced regional industrialisation.

He commended Bamburi Cement and SINOMA–CBMI Construction for translating investment intent into tangible action, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting projects that deepen value addition, create jobs and advance Kenya’s development agenda .