Sh3bn steel mill rolls off

The commissioning of the Sh3.1 billion Maisha Mabati Mills by Devki Group is the second last step towards its becoming a one-stop-shop for constructors.

Estimated to employ about 3,500 people directly and indirectly, the factory located in Ruiru township comes a few months before the group sticks its head into cement production.

Hosting President Kibaki during the event yesterday, group chairman and managing director Narendra Raval found it hard to hide his joy.

In a 10-minute speech, the MD outlined his contribution to Kenya’s economy and the latest addition to his group’s portfolio.

“We are now going to break the monopoly in the mabati business and ensure that prices come down by about 20 per cent. This will ensure that Kenyans can afford decent housing as the government has indicated previously,” he said.

With the last stride, Devki will have an employee base of about 7,000 across its three divisions, with the other two based in Athi River on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Last year, Mr Raval popularly known as ‘Guru’ was awarded for his contribution to the social and economic development of the country.

It is perhaps under this motivation that he on Wednesday donated Sh500,000 to Ruiru Community Hospital to celebrate the opening of the firm.

The production line is expected to mill galvanised and coloured roofing sheets, which come as either corrugated or plain.

Devki’s entry is expected to stir competition in a market that has previously been dominated by Mabati Rolling Mills.

And with it could be price wars with consumers coming out as ultimate winners.

Currently, the price of a piece of corrugated iron sheet for roofing goes for between Sh800 and Sh1,000 depending on the location of sale.

Speaking at the function, President Kibaki asked local investors to take advantage of the East African Community integration.

“I urge investors to look at the bigger picture that will offer them a larger market base in the region. This should now be the focus as opposed to only looking at within,” said the President.

He said that the government will deal firmly with dealers in counterfeits.