National Cement Company, the Kenyan cement manufacturer and Devki Group subsidiary behind Simba Cement, is seeking environmental approval to develop a 60MW wind farm in Kenya’s Kajiado County as the manufacturer expands efforts to secure alternative sources of electricity for its energy-intensive cement operations.

The proposed project will feature 38 wind turbines, a 33/220-kilovolt step-up substation, internal access roads, underground and overhead power cables, and a 220kV transmission line and wayleave.

National Cement builds captive power capacity

The project has entered Kenya’s environmental approval process after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) published an environmental and social impact assessment notice inviting public comments.

Wind power already plays a significant role in Kenya’s electricity mix. It accounted for 13.18% of the country’s electricity generation in the financial year ended June 2025, ranking behind geothermal and hydropower.

If approved and developed, the wind farm would give National Cement another source of electricity for its energy-intensive manufacturing operations, reducing its reliance on Kenya’s power grid. National Cement, the producer of Simba Cement, has previously invested in power generation to support its manufacturing operations. In 2018, the company commissioned a 15MW power plant alongside its clinker operation between Merrueshi and Mbirikani.

The investment was aimed at reducing electricity costs and limiting the impact of grid interruptions on clinker production.

Kajiado Wind Farm Expands Energy Strategy

The proposed Kajiado wind farm would extend that strategy into renewable energy. However, the environmental assessment notice does not state whether the entire 60MW output will be consumed by National Cement, whether surplus electricity could be supplied to the national grid, or the project’s commercial ownership and operating structure.

The Kajiado development is also separate from a 60MW wind project National Cement has pursued in Sebit, West Pokot. The West Pokot project was announced in 2023 as a proposed power source for the company’s cement operations in the region and remains at the pre-construction stage.

Raval expands Devki’s industrial footprint

National Cement is part of Devki Group, the industrial conglomerate associated with Kenyan businessman Narendra Raval. The group has interests spanning cement, steel and other manufacturing activities across East Africa.

The company has continued expanding its cement production capacity, increasing the need for reliable and competitively priced electricity. National Cement’s renewable-energy investment comes as Kenyan manufacturers explore alternative power sources to manage electricity costs and reduce exposure to supply disruptions. Cement production requires significant electricity for processes including crushing, grinding and clinker manufacturing.

Kenya’s largest wind project is the 310MW Lake Turkana Wind Power facility in Marsabit, followed by the 100MW Kipeto Wind Farm and the 25.5MW Ngong Wind Farm.

National Cement’s proposed 60MW Kajiado facility would add meaningful new capacity to Kenya’s wind sector if it receives the necessary approvals and reaches construction. NEMA’s 30-day public consultation represents the next stage in the project’s approval process.