The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has issued a stern warning over the growing use of substandard cement in the construction industry, a trend the institution says is endangering lives and undermining the country’s built environment.
In a statement, IEK expressed grave concern about the declining quality of cement in the market, noting that even some products bearing the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) mark have exhibited worrying signs of deterioration. According to the institution, engineers across the country have raised the alarm following reports of collapsing buildings and weakened infrastructure linked to compromised cement quality.
Eng. Shammah Kiteme, President of IEK, said that engineers have documented up to 25 percent reductions in the compressive strength of concrete prepared from certain cement brands. He warned that this decline in strength threatens both public safety and the durability of structures. “This is a grave threat to public safety,” said Eng. Kiteme. “When cement is compromised, then life and property are directly at risk from compromised structural integrity.”
Adding to the crisis, the institution highlighted the widespread presence of underweight cement bags in the market. Cement bags labelled as 50 kilograms have, in many instances, been found to weigh significantly less, in some cases as little as 45 kilograms. IEK termed this practice fraudulent and a violation of consumer rights, noting that such shortchanging is particularly rampant in retail outlets and hardware stores.
The institution is now calling for immediate and coordinated action by the government and relevant regulatory bodies. It is urging a comprehensive audit of all cement manufacturers and brands operating in Kenya, including random sampling from hardware stores and distribution points to independently verify quality and compliance. IEK also stressed the need for the mandatory enforcement of weight verification procedures before cement is dispatched from stores to consumers, with strict penalties for non-compliance.
Moreover, IEK is demanding a swift investigation and prosecution of individuals — including both public officials and private sector actors — who are found to be complicit in the distribution of substandard cement. The institution stated that ensuring the quality of construction materials requires the collective responsibility of regulators, law enforcement agencies, manufacturers, and professional bodies.
“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,” Eng. Kiteme emphasized.
