Cement Prices Rise as East African Portland Cement Adjusts Rates

East African Portland Cement PLC (EAPC) has announced an upward adjustment to the price of its Blue Triangle cement brand, citing a sustained rise in the cost of raw materials. The revision specifically targets the 50kg bag of Portland Pozzolanic Cement (CEM IV 32.5), a staple in the Kenyan construction market.

In a formal notice to customers, Head of Commercial David Kilonzo confirmed that the ex-factory price would increase by KES 10 per bag. This adjustment, which represents a 1.38 percent rise, took effect on April 8, 2026. The company noted that the decision was necessitated by the continuous surge in input costs across the manufacturing value chain.

The announcement comes at a time when the construction sector in Kenya is navigating a volatile economic environment. Manufacturers are increasingly facing higher expenses related to energy, clinker importation, and logistics. EAPC stated that these new terms supersede any previous pricing agreements and remain subject to change at the discretion of the management.

The price of cement serves as a critical barometer for the health of the local building industry. While a KES 10 increase may appear modest on a single-unit basis, it often has a compounding effect on large-scale infrastructure projects and residential developments. Individual home builders and small-scale contractors are expected to feel the immediate impact of the retail price fluctuations.

Despite the hike, EAPC expressed its commitment to maintaining its partnership with stakeholders. The company management thanked its clientele for their continued business support while emphasizing the need for the price revision to sustain operational efficiency.

This move follows a period of corporate shifts for the Athi River-based manufacturer. In late 2025, the company saw a significant change in its ownership structure after Kalahari Cement Limited, a subsidiary of the Amsons Group, acquired a 29.2 percent stake for approximately KES 718 million. These structural changes, combined with global commodity price shifts, continue to influence the firm's commercial strategy.

Industry analysts suggest that other players in the sector may follow suit if the pressure on raw materials does not ease. For now, the focus remains on how the market will absorb these costs as President Ruto’s administration continues to push for the completion of various affordable housing and infrastructure projects across the country.