More than 4500 people in West Pokot County will be employed by a giant cement factory. The The construction of the Sh22 billion cement factory at Sebit will begin this month.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said the construction had delayed because of lack of necessary approvals from various agencies.
“Cemtech, the company that is undertaking the construction, needed at least 65 licences to start the work. It has now received the licences and will soon break ground,” said Mr Lonyangapuo.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga laid the foundation stone 10 years ago.
Residents have waited for the construction of the factory to start, with some saying they were beginning to give up.
In the past, accusations and counter-accusations have been traded between leaders in the county over the awarding of the tender.
Cemtech was awarded the contract in 2009 by the defunct local authority. The new county administration reviewed the contract and approved it.
However, residents’ hopes of getting jobs have been dimmed, with some falling on hard times after selling their land to Cemtech.
Speaking in Kapenguria, Cemtech CEO Rajesh Rawal said the company was ready to begin work after getting the licences.
“It takes long to get all the required licences. We have solved two major problems; quality of the limestone and ground geometric technicality. These affected the location of the plant.”