The sleeping giant of Athi River is waking up. The East African Portland Cement (EAPC), once a symbol of state mismanagement, is set for a massive Sh26 billion (USD 200 million) overhaul funded by Tanzania’s Amsons Group. The deal marks a seismic shift in the region’s construction industry, signaling the end of the "old guard" and the rise of a new, consolidated market leader.

This investment is not merely a bailout; it is a war chest. Amsons Group, which also recently acquired Bamburi Cement, is effectively cornering the East African market. The Sh26 billion will fund a state-of-the-art clinkerisation plant, replacing the archaic, energy-guzzling kilns that have bled EAPC dry for decades. The goal is clear: lower production costs, undercut competitors, and dominate the supply chain for Kenya’s infrastructure boom.

Fueling the Infrastructure Drive

The timing is impeccable. With the government restarting stalled projects like the Rironi-Mau Summit highway and the affordable housing agenda gaining traction, the demand for cement is projected to skyrocket. Consumption already jumped 22% in 2025.

• Energy Efficiency: The new plant will utilize modern technology to reduce energy consumption, a critical factor in a country with high industrial power tariffs. This efficiency will likely translate to stable or lower cement prices for the *mwananchi* building a home.
• Regional Dominance: By controlling both Bamburi and EAPC, Amsons is positioning itself as the undisputed king of clinker. This vertical integration allows them to dictate prices and squeeze out smaller players who rely on imported clinker.

The Industrial Renaissance

"We are here to stay, and we are here to build," Amsons MD Edha Nahdi declared during a site visit. For the thousands of workers at Athi River, this capital injection is a lifeline. For the Kenyan economy, it is a vote of confidence.

However, regulators must watch closely. While efficiency is good, a duopoly controlled by a single conglomerate could stifle competition in the long run. But for now, the roar of new machinery at Portland Cement sounds like progress.