Kenya Shuts Down Mining at East African Portland Cement
In a decisive move, Kenya’s Ministry of Mining has ordered the immediate shutdown of all mining operations at the East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC), following a significant debt of US$4 million owed to the government. The cement producer, which has long been a dominant player in Kenya’s construction sector, is also facing legal issues, with accusations of operating without proper authorisation since 2016. The company’s quarries, primarily located in the Kajiado and Sultan Hamud regions, are now under police scrutiny to ensure compliance with the government’s shutdown order.
The EAPCC, which runs quarries at Portland and Sparetech in Kajiado and Kibini in Sultan Hamud, has been a key supplier of limestone for the cement industry. However, the company has come under intense scrutiny for several violations, including failing to adhere to safety regulations and a lack of basic operational requirements. According to reports, the company’s quarries have been operating without essential safety equipment, placing both workers and the environment at risk. In addition, there have been accusations of unregistered vehicles transporting limestone, an issue that not only breaches operational standards but also raises concerns about the company’s accountability and environmental responsibility.
The shutdown order is a response to the growing concerns over these safety and regulatory issues. The government has made it clear that EAPCC’s operations cannot continue unless it clears the outstanding debt and addresses its legal and operational shortcomings. With police now stationed at the company’s quarries, authorities are enforcing the suspension, ensuring that all mining activities cease immediately. EAPCC’s financial and operational troubles are indicative of the larger challenges facing the cement sector in the region. As one of the largest cement producers in East Africa, the company’s issues are likely to have a ripple effect on the local market. The shutdown has raised questions about the long-term sustainability of EAPCC, especially as the company grapples with both financial distress and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
This move by the government highlights the importance of adherence to environmental and safety standards, as well as the need for transparency in the mining industry. With mounting debts and operational challenges, the company will need to act swiftly to resolve its issues, or it risks further regulatory action, which could have far-reaching consequences for the cement industry and construction sector in Kenya.
