Devki Group, a major East African industrial and manufacturing conglomerate founded by a Kenyan industrialist, Narendra Raval, plans to build a multi-million-dollar cement plant in Karicheni, Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, in an investment expected to create jobs and reduce construction costs in Kenya’s Mt Kenya region.

The proposed factory comes after breaking ground on a $385 million cement plant in Kitui County and is expected to employ hundreds of workers and bring cement production closer to local markets, potentially reducing transportation expenses for traders who have faced rising distribution costs amid high fuel prices.

The investment could also strengthen Nyeri’s industrial base, with local leaders welcoming the project as a significant step towards expanding manufacturing activity in the county.

Devki Group promises to address environmental concerns

Speaking during a public participation meeting, Devki Group officials led by James Wainaina said the company would address environmental concerns raised by residents ahead of the planned development.

Wainaina assured the community that the factory would take measures to prevent pollution and manage other environmental issues associated with its operations. Kingori Wanjohi described the project as an important development for Nyeri, where large-scale industrial activity has been limited. “For a long time, Nyeri has had no industry, so we welcome this move by this investor. It is our first industry,” Wanjohi said.

“We as a company undertake that there would be no concern about pollution coming from this plant. We will ensure all other environmental concerns are taken care of,” Wainaina said.

The assurances come as the Devki engages residents on the proposed project.

Cement traders expect prices to fall by 10%

Cement traders in the Mt Kenya region expect the proposed factory to ease distribution costs and improve supply once production begins.

Traders estimate that cement prices could decline by about 10% following the plant’s entry into operation, although the actual reduction will depend on production expenses, transportation costs and distribution arrangements.

The facility could reduce the distance cement travels to reach customers in Nyeri and neighbouring markets, helping distributors manage the pressure from higher fuel prices.

However, the anticipated price reduction remains an estimate rather than a confirmed outcome. Its eventual impact will depend on the plant’s operating costs and how savings are reflected in market prices.

Nyeri leaders welcome manufacturing investment

Narendra Raval and his wife started Devki in 1986 as a small trading company in Nairobi. It later grew into a full-fledged manufacturing company. Local leaders have welcomed Devki Group’s planned investment, citing the county’s limited presence of large manufacturing industries and the potential economic benefits of establishing a major industrial facility.

Beyond the expected employment opportunities, the plant could support local economic activity through demand for transport, distribution and other services linked to cement production.

The project’s eventual contribution to the regional economy will depend on its implementation, environmental management and ability to deliver the anticipated cost savings.

For Nyeri, the proposed investment represents an opportunity to expand its manufacturing base while potentially making cement more affordable for builders and consumers across the Mt Kenya region.