A Ugandan galvanized wire manufacturing company is set to extend its business in Kenya in January next year.
Roofings Uganda Limited is in the process of setting up a factory in Mazeras Township in Kilifi County at a cost of Sh2.5 billion.
The factory which will produce 4,000 metric tons of galvanized wire per month was to start operations in August this year but the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the plans.
According to Roofings Kenya Limited Chief Operations Officer John Mucheru, the necessary equipment has already been acquired from Belgium, Italy and Germany.
Roofings Kenya Limited is a sister company of the Ugandan firm venturing into the Kenyan market.
Speaking to KNA at the factory on Thursday, Mucheru said there is only one galvanized wire manufacturing company in Kenya at the moment which does not meet the country’s demand of 5,000 metric tons per month.
He noted that Kenya is currently importing most of its galvanized wire used in the cabling industry and also to make barbed wire and chain links.
“The factory is essentially complete. We are almost proceeding to the stage of installing the machinery and by January we should start production,” said Mucheru.
He said the machines are set for installation in late November before manufacturing starts in late December or early January.
Mucheru said the setting up of the factory is a big boost to the achievement of the Big Four Agenda where Manufacturing is among the key pillars and that the factory will employ about 200 locals.
He added that the local production of galvanized wire will support import substitution and also save the country the much needed foreign exchange.
By Mohamed Hassan
