A new Ksh.2 billion steel factory in Kisumu is set to start manufacturing work this June and will employ more than 600 youth.
Jumbo Steel Mills’ Managing Director Harshi Patel said Kisumu was a strategic point for the factory and will easily connect Kenya’s neighbouring countries through the revamped Kisumu Port.
The plant will manufacture steel products such as rebars, mild steel sections, wire products and hollow sections used in the construction industry.
“This facility will also produce mattresses of various kinds such as pocket spring mattresses, bonnet spring mattresses and the traditional mattresses which are used in schools,” said Patel.
According to Business Daily, Jumbo Steel Mills has installed a 700 KW solar power system to help reduce electricity costs associated with the energy-intensive steel sector.
Patel said the factory will make use of the exiting Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) to distribute its products within the country and other neighbouring countries.
According to the Ministry of Industrialization, the Iron and Steel industry in Kenya forms about 13 percent of the manufacturing sector, which in turn contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
These are 7 top steel companies in Kenya that are part of a major manufacturing base in the country;
Apex Steel, Tononoka Steel, Abyssinia Group, Steel Makers (Steelmakers is one of the leading manufacturers, suppliers and exporters of hot rolled steel products, high alloy steel casting products, all types of nuts and bolts, fibre bearing and galvanized products.)
Other are; Insteel Limited, Bachu Industries and Tarmal Steel.
