The newest product is used in making mortar for brick and block laying as well as rendering, plastering and repair works.
While launching the new product in Athi River late on Tuesday, Kuria said he has express instructions from President William Ruto to revive the EAPCC and return it to its previous glory.
Image: KURGAT MARINDANY
CS Investments, Trade and Industry, Moses Kuria on Tuesday launched the latest cement product by East African Portland Cement Company dubbed Green Triangle Cement.
The newest product is used in making mortar for brick and block laying as well as rendering, plastering and repair works.
Green Triangle Cement is aimed at minimizing the cement manufacturer’s carbon emissions.
While launching the new product in Athi River late on Tuesday, Kuria said he has express instructions from President William Ruto to revive the EAPCC and return it to its previous glory.
“Past regimes ignored the oldest cement parastatal for reasons that cannot be understood. I am going to stand with you and ensure that you start making profits,” said Kuria.
He said the government has two major projects that will require large amounts of cement in the construction of cheap houses and the 10,000 km roads to be undertaken by the Kenya Kwanza government.
The government, he said, will work closely with its cement parastatal to ensure it meets all the demands and deadlines in the construction industry.
“I will do what I need to do as the cabinet secretary to support the EAPCC. I have talked to many partners who fall within my ministry to support this company, which is a beacon in the construction industry,” said the CS.
He said he will use his position to create synergies between the EAPCC and other state corporations starting with those that fall under my ministry to support the age-old cement company.
“All the state corporations under my ministry are hereby ordered to work with this company. I am not making a request but it is an order,” said Kuria.
Speaking during the event, the firm’s managing director, Oliver Kirubai said their customers have for a long time been asking for an introduction of an alternative product in the market.
“This together with wide consultations and research advised the introduction of Green Triangle Cement which is more environmentally friendly and will go at a lower cost than Blue Triangle Cement at only Sh550,” said Kirubai.
EAPCC's gross loss was reduced to Sh782 million between June 2021 to June 2022 from Sh821 million in the previous financial period, representing a 5 per cent drop, he said
The MD said loss declined despite the firm’s revenue declining by 22 per cent in the period.
He said the administration and selling expenses decreased by 54 per cent resulting from the reduction in loss from the disposal of land to settle Kenya Commercial Bank debt and reduced litigation cost amongst others underscoring the impact of cost containment measures embarked on in the year under review.
The MD said the Green Triangle Cement has already received a green light from the Kenya Bureau of Standards under the strength standardization category of 22.5 even though the company has boosted its strength to over 27 to enable it to be applied in a wider variety of construction projects.
“Today, we celebrate our continued path to innovation and commitment to providing cement and cement solutions for Kenya’s building sector,” he said
He went on: “This ceremony marks the beginning of our commercial sale of Green Triangle Cement, our latest innovation for block laying, plastering and general construction work which has been innovated to reduce our carbon emission.”
The Green Triangle Cement, the MD said, will retail at an introductory price of Sh550 for its key distributors and will go a long way in supporting the ongoing construction focus, especially for the affordable housing program by the current administration.
He said that the last three years have seen a concerted effort by the Ministry, Board and previous Management to turn around the fortunes of this company.
The MD said with the replacement of the 16-metre dilapidated part of the kiln shell after 26 years, EAPCC is now back to full operations from mining to clinkering and finally milling.
“It is important to note that we have recently launched our 2022/27 Strategic Plan which will guide our commercial and social approach,” the MD said.