Why Kilifi residents want written deal with cement investor

Residents near the proposed Sh12 billion integrated cement plant in Kilifi are demanding a written agreement with the investor to guarantee their benefits.

The residents of Chasimba in Kilifi South said they want to avoid past mistakes where verbal agreements with investors were never honoured once projects became operational.

The Achonyi Council of Elders (ACE) stated that the Mashujaa Cement project owners have promised 2,000 direct jobs and other benefits, which should be formally documented.

Speaking at Chasimba Centre on Wednesday, ACE chairman Raphael Mwangala stressed  that while the Chonyi community supports the project, they want firm guarantees on their entitlements.

“We support this project, but we will engage professionals and mining experts to provide their input. We also want a formal written agreement following the engagement,” Mwangala said.

Mashujaa Cement has secured 800 acres for mining and an additional 100 acres for the factory site in the Chasimba area. It is the first mining company to be licensed after the lifting of the 2019 moratorium earlier this year.

Representatives from the firm, which plans to establish an integrated clinker plant, have been actively engaging with the community at both nuclear and extended family levels over the past 65 months.

The investors’ representative, Michael Njoroge, stated yesterday that Mashujaa has obtained all necessary permits from the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) and is prepared to commence operations.

Njoroge announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mashujaa cement and clinker factory is scheduled for April, following the issuance of a license by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho in November last year.

He refuted claims by activists, led by the Commission for Human Rights and Justice that the project would harm the iconic Mawe Meru (black stones) and caves at Chasimba. “The land we have acquired is not part of Mawe Meru. We have been cleared by Nema after meeting all the requirements. Nema officials visited the area in July last year and conducted the necessary assessments,” he explained.

Njoroge said the project has already provided borehole water to residents, rehabilitated Chasimba Secondary School, and plans to upgrade a local health facility for the community.

Ramadhan Mwaringa, chairman of the Mawe Meru Community-Based Organisation (CBO), noted that most Chonyi residents support the project, as it is expected to create jobs and bring other opportunities to the area.

“We met here today to consult with community leaders, landowners, and national government officials on the way forward. We are working to create a database of individuals who can be employed by the cement plant,” he said.

He explained that the CBO was established earlier this year to advocate for the interests of residents who sold their land to the project and were promised jobs in return.

According to Mwaringa, the 6.5 acres at Mawe Meru have been reserved, as the site also serves as a shrine for the Chonyi community. He dismissed concerns that the fragile ecosystem was at risk of destruction by the investor.

“We have also been assured of a comprehensive plan to control dust pollution and ensure the protection of the local environment,” he added.

Chasimba Chief Ephantus Sanga noted that many residents sold their land to the project because they believe it will transform lives.