Kenya: Five cement producers are opposing an increase in import taxes on clinker that has been championed by National Cement owner Narendra Raval Guru. They claim that he has ‘been given the ear’ of the country’s current administration and is using his position as a domestic clinker manufacturer to disadvantage cement companies that grind imported clinker. The company is reportedly seeking an increase on the duty from 10% to 25%.
The five cement companies - Rai Cement, Bamburi Cement, Savannah Cement, Ndovu Cement and Riftcot – argue that this would create an unfair playing field in the local cement sector. The say that two manufacturers, National Cement and Mombasa Cement, would dominate due to their clinker manufacturing plants. Mombasa Cement has not stated a position in the dispute.
