East African Portland Cement PLC (EAPC) has announced changes to its board following the acquisition of a controlling stake by Kalahari Cement, ushering in a new phase in the company’s leadership.
In a notice dated February 20, the company confirmed the appointment of Ahmed Sheikh Adan and Eshak Harunani effective February 19.
“Following the successful acquisition of a controlling stake in East African Portland Cement PLC by Kalahari Cement the Company enters a new era of strategic leadership and corporate governance,” read the notice.
Their appointment follows the exit of Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Industry, and Koinari Ole Tutul from the board.
The outgoing directors were acknowledged for their service and contributions during their tenure.
The company added that the new appointments are expected to strengthen its governance framework and accelerate its turnaround strategy.
The board expressed confidence that the directors’ diverse expertise will contribute significantly to EAPC’s growth, sustainability, and long-term recovery.
Profile of Eshak Harunani and Ahmed Sheikh Adan
Eshak Harunani is an experienced corporate leader with more than three decades in audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services.
He has served as a board member of a regional oil marketing group, a role he has held since January 2025.
Harunani is also a former Deloitte Managing Partner, having served in leadership positions across East Africa.
Between November 2002 and November 2023, he was based in Dar es Salaam, where he also held the position of Country Managing Partner from 2006 to 2019.
Also Read: Looming Sale of East African Portland Cement to Tanzanian Tycoon Lands in Court
His career began at Morison International in London, where he worked from 1990 to 1994, rising from audit assistant to audit supervisor.
Ahmed Sheikh Adan is a Senior Counsel and Managing Partner at Wetangula, Adan & Co Advocates.
He has over 20 years of experience in legal, regulatory, and international advisory work, with expertise spanning cross-border trade, institutional reform, and complex negotiations across East Africa.
Also Read: Anxiety Over Fate of 924 Portland Cement Employees After Takeover
Acquisition of Portland Cement
In October 2025, The Competition Authority of Kenya backed the acquisition of Holcim’s 41.7% stake in East African Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) by Kalahari Holdings.
Director of Competition and Consumer Protection Joel Omari stated that the acquisition does not raise regulatory red flags regarding market dominance.
“The 41.7 % shareholding will not result in acquisition of control and additionally, the shares do not confer any veto rights that would amount to any indirect control; therefore, the proposed transaction in our view does not amount to a merger as provided for under section 41. This is due to the fact that there is no change in control of the undertaking,” Omari said.
However, CAK in January 2026 ordered that all 924 employees be retained for 18 months following its approval of Kalahari Cement Limited’s acquisition of 27% of the ordinary shares owned by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) in East Africa Portland Cement PLC (EAPC).
The Kalahari Cement, through its parent company Amsons Group, committed over $200 million (Ksh 25.8 billion) to a turnaround programme aimed at stabilizing operations, increasing production efficiency, and restoring employee confidence.
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