BEYOND THE BAG OF CEMENT: A CRESA INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO BAMBURI CEMENT PLC
It was a dusty day at the office, but this time, our office had kilns, conveyor belts, and the unmistakable smell of fresh cement in the air. No laptops, no projectors—just hard hats, safety vests, and an up-close look at how the backbone of Kenya’s construction industry is made. With our curiosity packed, we left campus eager to uncover what happens behind the towering silos and roaring machines of Bamburi Cement PLC. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the Bamburi team, who briefly introduced the plant, its history, and its role in the Kenyan construction industry. This was not just another factory tour. Ready for some concrete tea? Curious to know what goes down at Bamburi? We got you!!
Our first presentation was by Lawrence Maiteri, the Safety and Environmental Manager at Bamburi Cement PLC, who took us through the company’s journey since its founding in 1951. Over the years, Bamburi has undergone four major transformations, adapting to industry advancements and sustainability demands. Yet, one thing has remained constant—the unwavering quality of its products, which have stood the test of time in Kenya’s construction industry. He introduced us to Bamburi’s diverse product range, including Powermax, Duracem, Fundi, Tembo, and Nguvu cement, each designed for different construction needs, from high-strength structures to masonry and waterproofing applications. He also emphasized Bamburi’s commitment to sustainability, showing how innovation is shaping the future of cement production. As we all know, the future is sustainable, and who knew cement production could go hand in hand with saving the planet? With cement manufacturing contributing to almost 5% of CO2 emissions. Bamburi is leading the way in sustainable construction, swapping out traditional fuels for alternative energy sources, cutting down their carbon footprint with low-clinker cement, and even turning industrial waste like fly ash into valuable materials. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, they’ve transformed old quarries into thriving ecosystems, with places like Haller Park now home to wildlife, walking trails, and lush greenery. In addition, as part of their sustainability procurement their have trained 50 women and employed them in their transport network, Women on wheels. That look on your face is exactly what we had at first glance. To spice it up, they also focus on the youth and disabled persons and even have a collaboration with IFC to conduct capacity building and aim for 30% of direct spending on this group of individuals by 2030.
With our safety gear on and curiosity at an all-time high, we set off on a tour of the plant to witness the cement-making magic unfold with our guide, Christine Kanana, a quality analyst in Bamburi PLC. It all starts with raw material sourcing, where limestone and other key ingredients are mined and transported to the plant. From there, it’s crushing time; the massive rocks are broken down into finer particles, ready for processing. Next up, things get seriously heated in the preheating and kiln stage, where the materials are blasted with temperatures reaching a scorching 1400-1500°C, transforming them into clinker (basically the foundation of cement). After surviving the heat, the clinker is cooled down and finely ground with additives like gypsum to give it its final properties. And just like that, we reached the final stage, packaging and distribution, where the cement is packed into bags or bulk transporters, ready to hit the market and build the next big thing. Seeing the entire process firsthand was a game-changer. it’s one thing to read about cement production, but watching it all come to life was next level!
As our tour came to an end, we left Bamburi Cement PLC not just with dust on our boots, but with a deeper appreciation for the science, engineering, and sustainability efforts behind every bag of cement. From raw materials to the final product, we witnessed firsthand the precision, innovation, and responsibility that go into cement production. More than just a construction material, cement is a key player in shaping our cities and our future, and Bamburi is proving that it can be done sustainably and responsibly. This visit wasn’t just about observing—it was about learning, questioning, and seeing the industry from a whole new perspective. One thing’s for sure: the next time we step onto a construction site, we’ll look at cement with a whole new level of respect.
BY Mukami Christine
CM chapter chair, CRESA.
