Workers at a construction site. PHOTO | FILE Cement prices in Kenya have hit new highs this month as local manufacturers seek to remain profitable in the wake of a price hike of key raw materials and input costs.
A 50kg bag of cement in Nairobi is currently selling at an average of Sh630 from as low as Sh500 last year – with some brands selling for as high as Sh770.
This has reversed the decade-long decline in cement prices occasioned by a proliferation of cheap imports and increased local production of the commodity.
The influx of inexpensive imports – mainly from China, India and Pakistan – had cut cement prices as Kenyan firms struggled to win customers who had the option of buying imported cement for a fraction of the locally manufactured product.
Prices of raw materials and input costs such as coal, electricity, and diesel have increased sharply, causing the cement industry’s production costs to surge.
Despite efforts to increase efficiency in production to offset the price hike of raw materials and input costs, local manufacturers have now been forced to hike sale prices.
READ: Top 5 Cement Companies in Kenya
On March 10, Bamburi Cement Plc raised the prices of its Nguvu, Tembo, and Fundi brands by between 2% and 10% saying the move was necessary to sustain its operations in the wake of higher cost of input raw materials.
“The cost of input raw materials continues to increase disproportionately compared to what Bamburi Cement Plc can absorb,” the company said.
A 50kg bag of Bamburi now goes for Sh600 to Sh770 depending on the brand. Cement Price in Kenya
A spot check on various vendors in Nairobi has revealed the following prices for popular brands such as Bamburi’s Nguvu Cement, National Cement’s Simba, Mombasa Cement’s Nyumba, Savannah Cement, and East African Portland Cement Company’s Blue Triangle:Simba Cement prices: Sh600-Sh630 per bag.Savannah Cement prices: Sh600-Sh630 per bag.Bamburi Cement prices: Sh630-Sh770 per bag.Mombasa Cement prices: Sh600-Sh630 per bag.EAPCC’s Blue Triangle: Sh600-Sh630 per bag. Editor’s Note: The above prices are accurate as at March 16, 2022. It is advisable to contact your local vendor for current cement prices in your hometown.
