IEK Statement on Substandard Cement in The Kenyan Market and Its Effect On Construction

Kenyans have over time been concerned by the reports of collapsing buildings and compromised infrastructure across the country. IEK notes with concern the worrying trend on the prevalence of substandard cement in the market.

Engineers are at the heart of the construction sector and have raised the alarm regarding the deterioration in the quality of cement available in the market. It is alarming that this deterioration has been observed even in brands that bear the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) mark of quality.

1. Substandard Cement Weakening Our Infrastructure

Our members have documented up to 25% reduction in the compressive strength of concrete prepared from cement from several brands, undermining the strength and durability of concrete used in construction. This is a grave threat to public safety. The built environment must meet certain performance thresholds to withstand both everyday use and natural shocks. Cement is the binder in concrete. It is a key chemical component that hydrates in the mixture of fine and coarse aggregates and once it sets creating strong structures after curing and hardening. When cement is compromised, then life and property are directly at risk from compromised structural integrity.

2. Rampant Underweight Cement in the Market

Further compounding the issue is the widespread sale of underweight cement, especially in hardware stores and retail outlets. Cement bags marked as 50kg have been found to weigh significantly less, some as low as 45kg, shortchanging clients. This fraudulent practice is a violation of consumer rights.

We urge the relevant regulatory authorities to intensify market surveillance and spot checks across the country to stamp out this malpractice.

3. A Call for Urgent and Coordinated Action

In view of these developments, IEK is calling for the following urgent interventions:

a) A comprehensive audit of all cement manufacturers and brands in Kenya, including random sampling from hardware stores and distribution points, to independently verify quality and conformity across all cement classes.

b) Mandatory enforcement of weight verification procedures before cement is dispatched from stores to customers, with penalties for non-compliance.

c) Immediate investigation and prosecution of rogue individuals, including public officials and private sector players, who are complicit in compromising the quality and standards of construction materials in Kenya.

Securing the Built Environment Requires Collective Responsibility

We require the collaboration of regulators, law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, and professional bodies to uphold standards, ensure compliance, and protect the lives of Kenyan citizens.

IEK will continue to monitor this situation closely and will issue updates on any progress or lack thereof. We remain ready to work with stakeholders to uphold integrity, safety, and professionalism in Kenya’s construction industry.

By Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President, The Institution of Engineers of Kenya