Ruto Secures Ksh33 Billion Cement Factory Investor for Kitui County

President William Ruto announced the government has secured a new investor for a Ksh33 billion cement factory. The investor is already in place and will establish operations in Kitui County, Ruto said during a Thursday, October 1 media engagement in Mombasa.

Ruto said he will visit Kitui in November 2026 to officially break ground for the factory. The planned investment represents government efforts to attract investors through improved business environment incentives.

Dangote Previously Abandoned Similar Project
Ruto recalled that Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote previously approached Kenya to establish a cement processing factory. The investor abandoned the project and invested in Tanzania after facing frustration during negotiations.

When Ruto served as Deputy President, he personally drove Dangote to State House to meet former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Despite this high-level engagement, Dangote chose to pursue opportunities elsewhere in the region.

Government Removes Investor Barriers
Ruto's administration is working to protect investors from unnecessary demands while preserving Kenyan rights. The President said Kenya had struggled to attract major investments due to inadequate incentives and excessive demands.

Demands for shares and bribes discouraged investors from establishing large-scale projects in Kenya previously. The government is now creating a business environment encouraging investors while ensuring Kenyans benefit through employment.

Lamu Refinery Land Claims Addressed
Ruto defended the planned Ksh2 trillion East African oil refinery development in Lamu. The President said the land earmarked for the refinery is government land, not private property.

The government will handle any resident land claims rather than placing responsibility on the investor. This approach protects investment momentum while addressing community concerns through appropriate government channels.