President William Ruto has challenged the country’s cement industry to end dependence on imports, saying Kenya has enough limestone and other raw materials to sustain local production.

Speaking during the signing of the Matuga Clinker Line contract in Nairobi County on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Ruto questioned why the country continues to spend billions importing what he described as “just stones,” even though Kenya has abundant reserves.

“It is not possible for Kenya to keep importing cement. I encourage all the players that we have limestone and all the raw materials necessary for the production of cement here in Kenya,” he stated

He said it was illogical for the country to import materials that exist in plenty within its borders, insisting that Kenya’s industrial future depends on exploiting local resources efficiently.

“Somebody needs to explain to me why we need to import stones. What is limestone? It’s just stones. How can we spend our money to import stones from another country when we have our own stones?” he said

Ruto said the government is keen to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports in key sectors like cement, steel, and energy. He said this shift would not only save the country billions in foreign exchange but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in countries rich in raw materials.

“All we need to do is to burn them and create cement. I am not persuaded by anything to accept that,” he added

Ruto said Kenya’s focus must now move toward building self-sufficiency through innovation, better resource utilisation, and strategic partnerships. He emphasised that the new clinker line project is part of the government’s wider push to make Kenya a regional leader in cement production and infrastructure development.