Leading manufacturer Mombasa Cement has announced plans to construct a Sh849 million, 10-megawatt (MW) power plant at its Vipingo factory in Kilifi County. The facility will harness energy from coal and biomass, including agricultural by-products such as cashew shells and wood chips, to meet the company’s growing energy demands while lowering reliance on the Kenya Power national grid.
According to company sources, the Mombasa Cement power plant will play a critical role in enhancing production efficiency and supporting sustainable operations. The initiative aligns with the firm’s long-term strategy to stabilize power supply, reduce operational costs, and minimize disruptions caused by grid outages.
Sustainable and Cost-Efficient Energy Generation
The 10MW power project will operate on a dual-fuel model — blending biomass with limited coal usage to strike a balance between cost efficiency and environmental responsibility. Biomass materials such as coconut husks, cashew nut shells, and wood residues will be locally sourced, promoting circular economy practices and supporting local farmers.
Officials from Mombasa Cement note that this investment will significantly lower the company’s carbon footprint compared to conventional fossil fuel usage. It also positions the firm as one of the few industrial players in Kenya adopting hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable biomass with thermal generation.
Boost to Local Industry and Energy Security
The construction phase of the Mombasa Cement power plant is expected to create new employment opportunities for Kilifi residents and boost the local economy through supply contracts for raw materials and logistics. Once operational, the facility will generate excess energy that could be supplied to the national grid under Kenya’s energy export framework, potentially enhancing national energy stability.
The project also highlights the growing shift among large manufacturers toward self-generation as a way to ensure stable, affordable, and predictable power supply amid high grid tariffs and occasional outages. Energy analysts believe Mombasa Cement’s approach could inspire other industrial firms to invest in hybrid energy solutions, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as mining and manufacturing.
Part of a Broader Sustainability Vision
Mombasa Cement’s latest project complements its ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts, including tree planting initiatives, education programs, and waste recycling projects across the Coast region. By diversifying its energy sources, the company aims to reinforce its commitment to sustainability, economic empowerment, and industrial innovation.
The Vipingo power plant, once complete, will not only strengthen the firm’s competitiveness but also serve as a model for sustainable industrial energy use in Kenya. The project underscores a new chapter in Kenya’s journey toward energy independence, where private sector innovation supports both industrial growth and environmental stewardship.
