9th January 2003

Cement factory investor sought
By Titus Maero,
Makutano

The Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife was yesterday urged to source for an investor to mine limestone in West Pokot District.

The local Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) said the district had high deposits of the mineral that is a raw material normally used in the manufacture of cement. The KNCCI branch chairman, Mr. Wallace Tumkou, said feasibility studies conducted by Kerio Valley development authority (KVDA) ten years ago had shown that the district had high concentrations of limestone to warrant construction of a cement factory.

Speaking to reporters at the Makutano township offices, Tumkou noted that a concentration of the mineral had been founded at Ortum area.

He said a cement factory would develop in terms of urbanization, employment and increase trading activities.