Authorities in Kenya have arrested 13 individuals in a multi-agency operation targeting illegal cement activities in the Athi River, Syokimau, and Kitengela areas. The suspects are set to be arraigned in court on Monday as the crackdown continues in other parts of the country.
The operation, led by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), comes in response to numerous public complaints regarding the quality and weight of cement available in the market. The affected areas had been flagged as hotspots for illegal operations involving counterfeit cement.
Multi-Agency Surveillance Unveils Malpractices
The DCI revealed that intelligence-led surveillance uncovered widespread illegal activities in the manufacture and sale of substandard cement. Investigations established that the perpetrators were engaging in multiple unlawful practices, including siphoning cement from properly packaged bags, which resulted in underweight products.
Additionally, the suspects adulterated genuine cement by introducing pozzolanic dust, a substance that compromises the structural integrity of cement. The substandard cement was then packaged in counterfeit bags designed to imitate those of major brands, further deceiving unsuspecting consumers.
To facilitate these operations, the suspects also engaged in the illegal production of branded empty cement bags, which were used to package the adulterated products. This comprehensive scheme not only exploited consumers but also posed a significant safety risk to the public.
Safety Risks Highlighted
The DCI raised serious concerns over the potential consequences of such activities, emphasizing the risk posed to millions of Kenyans living in rental apartments. Substandard cement compromises the structural integrity of buildings, increasing the likelihood of collapses and endangering lives.
“Such illegal activities by greedy businesspersons jeopardize the safety of Kenyans, especially the millions who live in rental apartments, given the many tragic incidents of collapsed buildings,” the DCI stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Seizure of Evidence
As part of the operation, authorities seized eight lorries loaded with bags of cement, believed to be part of the counterfeit network. The confiscated cement will undergo further investigation to ascertain the extent of the adulteration and identify the supply chain involved in the distribution of the illegal products.
Broader Crackdown Underway
While 13 suspects are in custody, the operation is far from over. The multi-agency team has pledged to extend the crackdown to other regions in the country, aiming to dismantle the entire network behind the illegal cement trade.
The collaboration between the DCI and KEBS underscores the government’s commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring compliance with quality standards in the construction industry. The initiative is also expected to safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s construction sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economic development.
Call for Vigilance
In light of the arrests, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant when purchasing cement and other construction materials. Consumers are encouraged to verify the authenticity of products and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The ongoing crackdown sends a strong message to unscrupulous businesspeople engaging in illegal activities that jeopardize public safety. As the suspects await arraignment, the operation serves as a reminder of the critical need for adherence to quality standards in ensuring the safety and well-being of all Kenyans.
With the operation continuing nationwide, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating counterfeit products and upholding consumer rights. The case also highlights the importance of public participation in reporting fraudulent activities to protect the integrity of vital industries.
