President William Ruto has challenged Kenya’s cement industry to reduce dependence on imports, highlighting the country’s rich limestone reserves that can sustain local production.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, during the signing of the Matuga Clinker Line contract in Nairobi, Ruto questioned why the nation continues to spend billions importing “just stones” when abundant raw materials exist within its borders.
“It is not possible for Kenya to keep importing cement. I encourage all the players that we have limestone and all the raw materials necessary for the production of cement here in Kenya,” Ruto said.
“It is not possible for Kenya to keep importing cement. I encourage all the players that we have limestone and all the raw materials necessary for the production of cement here in Kenya,” Ruto said.
He stressed that Kenya’s industrial future depends on harnessing local resources efficiently rather than relying on imports.
Ruto described the current import trend as illogical, noting that the country is paying for materials it already possesses.
Ruto described the current import trend as illogical, noting that the country is paying for materials it already possesses.
“Somebody needs to explain to me why we need to import stones. What is limestone? It’s just stones. How can we spend our money to import stones from another country when we have our own stones?” he asked.
The President emphasized that Kenya must focus on self-sufficiency, innovation, and strategic partnerships to fully exploit domestic resources.
The President emphasized that Kenya must focus on self-sufficiency, innovation, and strategic partnerships to fully exploit domestic resources.
The government’s vision is to strengthen sectors like cement, steel, and energy to reduce import dependency, save foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities.
“All we need to do is to burn them and create cement. I am not persuaded by anything to accept that,” he added.
The Matuga Clinker Line project, which Ruto inaugurated, is a critical component of this strategy. It aims to expand the nation’s cement production capacity, supporting both domestic construction demands and regional export opportunities.
Reducing cement imports is part of a broader push for industrialization, which aligns with Kenya’s “Big Four” agenda and the president’s commitment to economic growth.
“All we need to do is to burn them and create cement. I am not persuaded by anything to accept that,” he added.
The Matuga Clinker Line project, which Ruto inaugurated, is a critical component of this strategy. It aims to expand the nation’s cement production capacity, supporting both domestic construction demands and regional export opportunities.
Reducing cement imports is part of a broader push for industrialization, which aligns with Kenya’s “Big Four” agenda and the president’s commitment to economic growth.
Local production not only cuts costs associated with importation but also strengthens the country’s industrial value chain, encouraging job creation in mining, manufacturing, and logistics.
Moreover, Ruto’s remarks highlight the need for innovation and efficiency in utilizing Kenya’s natural resources.
Moreover, Ruto’s remarks highlight the need for innovation and efficiency in utilizing Kenya’s natural resources.
By fully exploiting limestone deposits and improving clinker production, the country can meet domestic cement demand, reduce import bills, and support construction projects critical for infrastructure development.
“Kenya’s focus must now move toward building self-sufficiency through innovation, better resource utilization, and strategic partnerships,” he stated.
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