The Kenyan cement wars have just gone nuclear. Tanzanian billionaire Edha Nahdi, through his conglomerate Amsons Group, has unveiled a massive Sh25.8 billion capital injection plan for the East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPC), signaling a ruthless intent to dominate the regional market.

Fresh from acquiring a controlling 68.7% stake in the Athi River-based giant, Nahdi is not wasting time. The proposed investment is earmarked for a complete overhaul of the aging plant, which has struggled with inefficiencies and debt for years. This move effectively wakes a sleeping giant.

"We Are Here to Build"

"Portland has the heritage, but it needs the hardware," an Amsons insider revealed. "This money will modernize the kilns and expand capacity. We are not just buying shares; we are buying the future of infrastructure in Kenya."

The deal marks the most significant foreign direct investment in Kenya's manufacturing sector in a decade. It also completes a stunning consolidation by Amsons, who recently acquired Bamburi Cement, effectively placing two of Kenya's top cement makers under Tanzanian command.

• The Strategy: By controlling both Bamburi and Portland, Amsons can dictate pricing and supply across East Africa, challenging local players like Devki.
• The Market Reaction: EAPC shares have rallied on the NSE, with investors betting on a turnaround. The government, retaining a minority stake, has welcomed the "vote of confidence."

A New Industrial Order

The center of gravity for East African construction has shifted to Dar es Salaam. With Sh25.8 billion on the table, Nahdi is betting big that Kenya's appetite for cement will only grow. For the local competition, the message is stark: innovate or be poured over.