Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hassan Joho have ordered the immediate closure of Simba Cement’s mining site in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, citing environmental hazards and the company’s failure to secure proper permits.
The closure comes after repeated inspections revealed that the factory has not complied with environmental regulations, raising serious concerns about pollution and public health risks in the area.
CS Joho, who visited the site to follow up on earlier agreements, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress.
“I came here, and I have come back again so that I can see if what we agreed on has been done or not,” he said. “I have confirmed that a lot has not been done.”
The Mining CS emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to resolve the issues.
“The first solution is we must get the right committee and from there we will get everything right,” Joho added.
Governor Mung’aro supported the decision, reiterating the county government’s commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that industries operate within legal frameworks.
Simba Cement Factory Closures
Back in October 2024, Joho ordered the immediate closure of quarries operated by Simba Cement in the Kabe Ribe area, Rabai Sub-County, Kilifi County.
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Joho issued the directive during a public hearing organized by the National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forest, and Mining.
“I direct my PS to initiate the process of issuing a notice to this factory until they fully comply,” he stated.
Residents had raised concerns that the facility’s quarry operations were damaging the environment, with blasts destroying local properties.
They also accused the company of using underhanded tactics to acquire their land for expanding its operations.
Bamburi Cement Shares Suspension
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has extended the suspension of trading in Bamburi Cement Plc shares following the acquisition of 96.54% of the company’s ordinary shares by the offeror.
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The move clears the way for the acquisition of the remaining shares, allowing the share transfer process to be completed in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
According to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), the suspension will be in place until further notice.
“The suspension shall remain in force until such time as the Authority issues further direction,” the notice read in part.
All shareholders, investors, and members of the public were advised to take note of the continued suspension.
According to the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), the 96.54% stake now acquired by Amsons surpasses the 90% threshold required to trigger a compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares, as stipulated under Kenya’s takeover regulations.
Through compulsory acquisition, the remaining minority shareholders holding about 3.46% of shares will be required to sell their stakes at the same price offered to majority shareholders.
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