The government through the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy plans to establish a tile making factory in Gaturi area of Murang’a County.
The factory is earmarked to utilize the clay soil being mined in the area and currently being transported to factories located in other counties to manufacture tiles among other construction materials.
Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi on Saturday said his ministry is in talks with the local county government to get land where the factory will be built.
Speaking in Gaturi primary school, Mwangi said they are also looking for a private partner to establish the facility that will offer employment to thousands of local young people.
“Gaturi has been a source of clay soil mainly used to manufacture tiles among other earthen construction materials and having a factory, it will greatly benefit the local community in terms of employment opportunities as well as returns from the mined soil.” Said the PS.
Mwangi further said that the factory will play a crucial role in reviving the local construction sector noting that many workers have abandoned quarrying activities due to the shortage of essential materials like sand and stone.
The tile making factory, the PS observed, will absorb those who were engaged in mining construction stones and sand since the clay is sourced locally and is in plenty creating many employment opportunities.
“There is high demand for tiles in the construction industry and we are upbeat the factory will revive the local construction sector and create employment for the local community,” he added.
He continued “the ministry is at an advanced stage to have an agreement with Murang’a county administration to allocate land for the project. Once the land is identified and handed over, construction of the factory will commence.”
On his part, Gaturi MCA, Gathee wa Njeri underscored the County Assembly’s full support of the project , and said that the factory will be a game-changer to the community and the country.
“This initiative to have a factory here has the full support of the local County Assembly, and we are committed to see it through its completion,” Njeri said.
Once operational, the factory is expected to lower construction costs and boost the supply of essential materials in the construction industry while also improving livelihoods of local residents by creating job opportunities and fostering economic growth in the region.
By Bernard Munyao
