Bamburi clinker project promises jobs, skills and industrial boost for Kenyan youth
President William Ruto presides over the signing of a contract between Bamburi Cement and China-based Sinoma CBMI for the development of a new clinker production line in Matuga, Kwale County, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
A new clinker production line by Bamburi Cement in Matuga, Kwale County, is expected to create thousands of jobs and expand economic opportunities for young Kenyans, as the government intensifies large-scale infrastructure investments aimed at accelerating economic growth.
The USD 250 million project, developed in partnership with China-based Sinoma CBMI, is projected to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and installation, with additional long-term employment across transport, logistics, engineering and maintenance services once operations begin.
Speaking during the contract signing ceremony President William Ruto said strengthening clinker production is critical to securing Kenya’s cement value chain while supporting inclusive growth.
“By combining Bamburi Cement’s deep local market presence with Sinoma CBMI’s global technical expertise, this partnership will significantly strengthen domestic clinker production capacity, reduce reliance on imports and enhance the competitiveness of Kenya’s cement industry,” he said.
The President said such investments are central to absorbing young people into productive employment as Kenya expands its infrastructure footprint.
“Industrialisation remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic transformation, and targeted investments such as clinker will be essential in achieving sustained, inclusive and resilient growth,” he said.
He linked the Matuga investment to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the wider five-trillion-shilling infrastructure programme covering roads, rail, energy, housing and irrigation.
“Cement, steel and construction are going to be at the core of that investment journey,” the President said, urging manufacturers to scale up capacity in anticipation of rising demand.
For Bamburi Cement, the project represents the fulfilment of a long-awaited commitment to employees and the Matuga community. Amsons Group Managing director, Mr. Edha Nahdi said residents of the area had waited more than a decade for the investment.
“They have been waiting for this project for over ten years, and today, finally, the day has come,” he said.
Mr. Nahdi said the clinker line would create extensive employment opportunities for young people in Kwale County and beyond.
“This project will create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, with opportunities through construction, transportation, logistics and other supporting services that will run for many years to come,” he said.
Beyond job creation, the project is expected to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported clinker and strengthen local value addition, positioning the cement industry to support the country’s growing infrastructure and housing needs.
