Bamburi Cement Plc has signed a US$250 million (KSh32 billion) Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract with Sinoma CBMI Construction Co., Ltd for the construction of a turnkey clinkerisation factory in Matuga, Kwale County.
The new greenfield facility will have an annual clinker production capacity of 1.6 million tonnes, significantly expanding Bamburi Cement’s manufacturing footprint and strengthening its supply chain. Once completed, the plant will rank among the largest clinker production facilities in Kenya.
Under the EPC agreement, Sinoma CBMI will be responsible for the design, equipment supply, construction, installation, and commissioning of the plant. The Chinese engineering firm is a global specialist in cement plant construction and industrial infrastructure.
Current capacity
Bamburi Cement currently produces about 1 million tonnes of clinker annually, and the Matuga project will raise total clinker capacity to approximately 2.6 million tonnes per year. Cement output is expected to increase from around 1.8 million tonnes to about 3.4 million tonnes annually once the plant becomes operational.
The project is aimed at reducing Bamburi’s reliance on imported clinker, improving cost efficiency, and supporting rising demand driven by infrastructure development, housing construction, and regional export markets.
The investment is also expected to create employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases, with additional economic benefits for Kwale County and the wider coastal region.
Bamburi Cement said the Matuga clinker plant forms part of its long-term strategy to enhance production self-sufficiency, improve operational resilience, and support Kenya’s industrialization and infrastructure growth agenda. In recent days, Kenya has ruled out some of the massive infrastructure projects, including plans for a nuclear power plant in Kilifi, where state-owned KenGen has been named the owner-operator.
Construction timelines and commissioning schedules are expected to be announced as the project advances.
Bamburi Cement New Clinker Plant in Kwale: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Matuga, Kwale County, Kenya
Project Owner: Bamburi Cement Plc (Amsons Group)
EPC Contractor: Sinoma CBMI Construction Co., Ltd
Contract Value: US$250 million (KSh 32 billion)
Project Type: Turnkey clinker production facility
Technical Specifications
Annual Production Capacity: 1.6 million tonnes of clinker per year
Technology: 6-stage precalciner system with advanced carbon-neutral features
Energy Efficiency: Modern, low-emission technologies incorporated throughout
Capacity Impact:
Clinker production increase: 1.0 to 2.6 million tonnes annually
Cement production increase: 1.8 to 4.0 million tonnes annually
Strategic Objectives
The facility represents a major industrial expansion aimed at:
Achieving long-term clinker self-sufficiency for Bamburi Cement
Reducing dependence on imported clinker
Supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development requirements
Enhancing production consistency and supply security
Strengthening forex conservation through import substitution
Positioning Bamburi as a competitive regional cement producer
Environmental & Sustainability Features
Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials (AFR):
Coconut husks
Cashew nut husks
Municipal solid waste from coastal areas
Environmental Benefits:
Reduced carbon emissions through carbon-neutral technologies
Enhanced energy efficiency
Alignment with global climate standards
Support for circular economy principles
Economic & Social Impact
Employment: Job creation during both construction and operational phases
Regional Development:
Local business participation opportunities
Economic stimulus for Kwale County and coastal region
Support for Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)
National Impact:
Strengthening of local manufacturing sector
Price stabilization for cement products
Improved supply planning for national construction projects
