Devki Group launches $84.7-million iron ore pelletization plant, targets 14,000 jobs in Kenya

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -
  • Devki Group launches a $84.7 million (Ksh 11 billion) iron ore pelletization plant in Taita Taveta, Kenya.
  • The plant will create 3,000 jobs initially and expand to over 14,000 jobs once fully operational.
  • Narendra Raval aims to support local miners and boost Kenya's iron ore processing capacity.

Devki Group, led by Kenyan industrial tycoon Narendra Raval, has unveiled an $84.7 million (Ksh 11 billion) iron ore pelletization plant in Voi, Taita Taveta County, marking a major milestone for Kenya’s mining and manufacturing sectors. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and enhance the country’s capacity for iron ore processing, providing significant support to local miners and the broader economy.

Job creation and economic impact from Devki's iron ore plant

The new plant is projected to be a major driver of job creation in Kenya, with Devki Group estimating that it will create 3,000 direct jobs within the first six months of operation. Once fully operational, the facility aims to employ over 14,000 workers, with plans to expand the workforce to 30,000 as part of the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The project aligns with Kenya's government push to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the country's GDP, aiming for 15 percent by 2027 and 20 percent by 2030. During the plant’s inauguration, President William Ruto emphasized the significance of investments like these, stating:
“We aim to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the GDP to 15 percent by 2027 and 20 percent by 2030. This project is a testament to our commitment to creating jobs and improving livelihoods.”

The ripple effects of the iron ore plant will be felt beyond direct employment. By providing local miners with modern equipment and ensuring a steady market for raw materials, the plant will boost efficiency in Kenya's mining sector. Additionally, Devki Group’s tax contributions, which currently total Ksh 2 billion ($15.4 million) monthly, are expected to rise significantly as the plant reaches full operational capacity.

About Devki Group and Narendra Raval

Founded in 1986 by Narendra Raval, Devki Group has grown into one of Kenya’s largest and most diversified manufacturing conglomerates, with operations spanning steel production, cement manufacturing, and construction materials. Raval, a billionaire industrialist and philanthropist, is one of Kenya’s wealthiest business figures.

The company’s subsidiaries, including Devki Steel Mills, National Cement Company, and Simba Cement, play crucial roles in Kenya’s construction and manufacturing industries. Devki Group’s strategic focus is on reducing Kenya’s reliance on imported materials by increasing local production capacity. The launch of the iron ore pelletization plant is a key step in Devki’s ambition to become a leader in Africa’s steel production industry, further bolstering Kenya’s manufacturing sector and creating a self-sufficient industrial economy.