President William Ruto has assured local and foreign investors of government protection against extortion and interference as he launched a Sh70 billion cement and clinker manufacturing project in Ngaaie, Mwingi North, Kitui County. Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the Devki Group investment, Ruto said his administration was committed to creating a business-friendly environment that would encourage investment, expand industrial production and create employment opportunities for Kenyans. The President warned individuals accused of frustrating investments that his government would not allow them to undermine projects intended to support economic growth.
He maintained that investors should be free to establish businesses without facing extortion or interference, regardless of their background or ownership of the projects. Ruto also questioned why some individuals appeared opposed to certain investors establishing businesses in the country, insisting that Kenya should welcome anyone willing to commit resources to economic development. According to the President, the government’s responsibility is to facilitate investment and ensure that businesses can operate in an environment that supports growth and job creation.
Devki Group Invests Sh70 Billion in Kitui Factory
The new factory is being developed by Devki Group using locally sourced raw materials and will manufacture clinker, a key ingredient used in cement production. The project is expected to be completed by August 2027, marking a significant investment in Kenya’s manufacturing and construction materials industries. Ruto praised Devki Group chairman Narendra Raval, popularly known as Guru, for committing substantial resources to the project despite criticism surrounding the investment.
The President said Kenya should focus on the wider economic benefits of industrial projects rather than allow political disagreements and criticism to discourage investors. He emphasised that every investor willing to establish businesses and create opportunities in the country deserves support, regardless of who they are. Ruto added that investments capable of expanding employment and strengthening local manufacturing should be prioritised as the country pursues economic growth.
Factory Expected to Create Thousands of Jobs
Speaking during the launch, Raval said Devki Group had invested Sh70 billion in the Kitui project and was already employing approximately 4,000 Kenyans. The company chairman added that the factory is expected to employ about 3,000 people once completed, creating additional employment opportunities in the region. The project is also expected to support economic activity linked to manufacturing, construction materials and the supply of locally available raw materials.
The investment could provide opportunities for businesses and workers in surrounding communities, although the scale of the wider economic benefits will depend on the project’s implementation and operations. Raval described the factory as a long-term investment, noting that the company had started planning the project approximately a decade ago.
Raval Raises Concerns Over Pressure on Factory Location
Raval also revealed that the company had faced pressure from some leaders over the location selected for the factory. He said the company had been urged to establish the plant in Mwingi rather than Ngaaie, despite the availability of the required raw materials at the chosen site. According to Raval, moving the factory approximately 15 kilometres away would have gone against the company’s preferred location, which was informed by the availability of materials needed for production.
He maintained that Devki Group had no improper motives in undertaking the investment and described the project as part of its long-term commitment to Kenya’s industrial sector. The remarks highlighted the disagreements surrounding the location of the project, with the company defending its decision to establish the plant in Ngaaie.
Joho Attends Launch as Government Backs Manufacturing
Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho was among the officials who attended the launch of the Sh70 billion project. The investment comes amid efforts to strengthen Kenya’s manufacturing sector, attract private capital and expand employment opportunities.
By producing clinker locally, the factory is expected to contribute to domestic industrial capacity and the supply chain for cement manufacturing. The project’s completion, scheduled for August 2027, will be a key milestone in determining its contribution to production, employment and economic activity in Kitui County. Ruto reiterated that his administration would continue supporting investors and businesses seeking to establish operations in Kenya, saying the country must remain open to investments that create jobs and promote economic development.
