The new Bamburi Cement Ready Mix Concrete Plant is set to create more employment opportunities at the coastal town of Mombasa.
The Company plans to employ at least 40 youths in the Coast region, including 15 truck drivers, at its newest Ready Mix Concrete Plant located in the Haller Park area of Bamburi, next to the Bamburi Cement Plant.
The Plant seeks to support the growing demand for efficient, sustainable, and durable building materials across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Speaking during the launch of the ready-mix concrete cement, Commercial Director of Bamburi Cement PLC, Martin Kariuki, highlighted that the commodity seeks to combat environmental pollution as it uses a product dubbed “Duraplus” that uses 40 percent clinker, down from the 88 percent that is used in an ordinary OPC cement.
“We have used this product at the Makupa Bridge, which saved us at least 100 million Kilograms of CO2, and that’s why we want to spread the word into the retail market and to all the construction sites within the Coast region,” said Kariuki.
Additionally, he noted that the product is sulphate and heat resistant; hence, it is aimed at raising the safety standards of buildings in the Coastal area.
“In terms of the order pipeline, which is very full for this month and even in the month of May, thus, we will be selling between 4000-5000 cubic per month but we are looking to grow further in collaboration with the county government to ensure we are going past Kilifi to spread the word of sustainability in Bamburi Cement products,” he said.
“This launch marks a pivotal moment for us. It reflects our group’s ambition for sustainability and green building materials,” Kariuki stated. “We’re excited to welcome customers and stakeholders to join us in promoting green concrete and raising safety standards for buildings across Mombasa.”
However, Kariuki has pleaded with the government to consider tax-friendly ways that will push for price reduction of commodities, hence offering affordable products to the market that will curb shortcuts.
On his part, Head of innovation and technical services, Fidelis Sakwa highlighted that the Duraplus Cement is designed to prevent Chlorides from reaching the reinforcement of a building and later causing corrosion, hence curbing seawater from affecting the concrete.
“Many builders out there struggle with substandard mix ratios and poor aggregates. Our plant guarantees quality and durability by using proper raw materials and tested cement blends,” Sakwa said.
Furthermore, he urged investors and contractors to follow the laid-out guidelines during projects, including engaging professionals to avoid the issue of quacks, which is currently the leading challenge in the construction sector.
Additionally, he called for quality consideration in terms of materials, especially on the type of Cement used for different projects.
As the plant begins operations, Bamburi Cement is calling on the construction industry to prioritize safety and professionalism. They urge builders to follow structural standards, use qualified personnel, and perform necessary concrete strength tests, such as compression tests, to ensure safe and durable buildings.
With this launch, Bamburi Cement solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable construction, committed to building greener, safer, and stronger communities across the Kenyan coast.
By Nuru Soud and Shamim Musa
