East African Portland Cement (EAPCC) has embarked on a 25-day maintenance shutdown aimed at revitalising the firm established in 1933.
In a notice, the managing director Oliver Kirubai said the Sh400 million revamp would boost the cement maker's capacity, efficiency, and reputation.
"We are doing the second phase of our machines upgrade, which is targeting to increase our output. Our target is that by June 2026 we should be able to produce one million tonnes of cement," Kirubai said.
The cement maker currently produces 310,000 tonnes of cement annually.
The firm said the key objectives of the shutdown expected to end on April 5 include capacity enhancement, which will be done through the replacement of bag filters, refractory bricks, and refurbishment of the grate cooler system.
EAPCC also expects to achieve operational efficiency by achieving an enhanced thermo efficiency and improving the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of its Kiln to 250 hours.
This will result in streamlined operations, reduced downtime, and optimised energy consumption.
Kirubai said that the firm has a robust business continuity plan in place, including the availability of clinker buffer stocks to sustain cement-milling operations during the shutdown period.
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering support, emphasising that measures are in place to ensure the efficient completion of the process within the shortest time possible.
Last year, the government said it had found a buyer willing to buy a 30 per cent stake for Sh15 billion.
Industry principal secretary Juma Mukhwana told the National Assembly that the deal was only awaiting President William Ruto’s approval.
Last year, the firm's revenues rose to Sh 2.9 billion from Sh2.1 billion a year earlier.
