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Our History

Since 1951

Setting the foundation for Kenya and East Africa

Bamburi Cement, which was founded in 1951 by Felix Mandl, has a rich history in-line with Kenya’s legacy as a growing and highly progressive nation for over half a century.

Our history is an inspiring account of the pioneering spirit and vision of Felix Mandl, who despite experiencing numerous setbacks during and after World War 2, eventually settled in Kenya and set up Bamburi Cement, which became a household brand, an industry leader and a significant contributor to the development of the region.

We have been at the heart of building Kenya and the East African region through challenging and prosperous times with innovative solutions made possible by hard work, dedication and a relentless focus on excellence.

Our people are the key drivers behind all that we do at Bamburi Cement which has enabled us to become an industry leader by providing a safe and empowering environment to achieve our full potential.

It is this pioneering and innovative spirit that has continued to propel us forward to greater heights.

The Beginning

Bamburi Cement, which was founded in 1951 by Felix Mandl

Bamburi Cement, which was founded in 1951 by Felix Mandl, has a rich history in-line with Kenya’s legacy as a growing and highly progressive nation for over half a century.

Our history is an inspiring account of the pioneering spirit and vision of Felix Mandl, who despite experiencing numerous setbacks during and after World War 2, eventually settled in Kenya and set up Bamburi Cement, which became a household brand, an industry leader and a significant contributor to the development of the region.

We have been at the heart of building Kenya and the East African region through challenging and prosperous times with innovative solutions made possible by hard work, dedication and a relentless focus on excellence.

Our people are the key drivers behind all that we do at Bamburi Cement which has enabled us to become an industry leader by providing a safe and empowering environment to achieve our full potential.

It is this pioneering and innovative spirit that has continued to propel us forward to greater heights.

Timeline

Since 1951

1951

Dr. Felix Mandl [1898-1993], a visionary Austrian businessman and entrepreneur sets foot in Kenya and founds British Standard Portland Cement Co. Ltd through Cementia Holding Limited (Switzerland) and Blue Circle Industries (UK).

1952

Construction work of the factory starts in April 1952.

1954

Two pre-war designed shaft kilns and grinding mill are completed. Cement manufacturing with a capacity of 100,000 tons [Kenya’s annual consumption rate then] of cement kick-off. Bamburi Cement ships its first export bagged cement to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania hitting 140,000 tons in its first year of operation.

1959

A young agronomist Rene Haller is hired by Dr. Felix Mandl to utilise his expertise skills on the quarry reserve land. His work would go on to inspire Bamburi Cement’s world-famous quarry rehabilitation and award-winning Bamburi Haller Park.

1968

With improved infrastructure and technology and a cement production of 700,000 tons per year, Bamburi’s scales export portfolio to Mauritius, Reunion and Arabian Gulf [Dubai] which builds modern Dubai.

1970

Bamburi Cement is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) (then Nairobi Stock Exchange).

1971

Dick Roberts takes over as Managing Director from Dr. Mandl. Dr Mandl becomes Chairman of the company, succeeding J.J. Hughes who remains on the board as Vice Chairman.

1972

Construction of Mbaraki terminals in Kilindini, a joint venture between Bamburi Cement and East African Railways and Harbours begins. It consists storage silos and a packing plant – and aims to promote export operations to Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros, Madagascar and occasionally Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

1984

Bamburi Haller Park [then known as Bamburi Nature Trails] is officially opened to the public. Today, a major attraction for local and international tourists, it is well globally acclaimed for its environment conservation and ecosystem management best practice.

1989

Lafarge Group acquires Cementia Holding Limited – ushering a new era.

1996

Bamburi Portland Cement Ltd. Changes name to Bamburi Cement Limitedd. Bamburi Cement Limited acquires a 12.5% interest in East African Portland Cement [EAPC] – the stake increases total EAPC ownership to 40% [added to 28% owned by Lafarge and Blue Circle.

1998

Bamburi Cement’s Nairobi Grinding Plant is completes state-of-the-art 1million ton-per-year Nairobi Grinding Plant [NGP] in Athi River.

1998

Bamburi Cement innovates into commercial supply of Ready-Mix Concrete [under the name BamburiConcrete] by launching Bamburi Special Products. It would become Kenya’s largest supplier of concrete paving blocks.

1999

Bamburi Cement expands to the East African region – acquiring Hima Cement Limited in Uganda and expanding export opportunities in to the Congo and Rwanda/Burundi.

2000

Bamburi Cement acquires a 20% stake in Athi River Mining (ARM).

2001

Lafarge Group acquires Blue Circle Industries UK and becomes majority shareholder of Bamburi Cement Limited (59.6%).

2015

Lafarge S.A merges with Switzerland-based Holcim Group Ltd to create LafargeHolcim, a global building materials industry conglomerate.

2021

Bamburi Cement Limited changes name to Bamburi Cement PLC, in line with provisions of Section 53 of the Companies Act 2015, that requires companies that are both a limited company and a public company to be registered with a name that ends with ‘public limited company’ (plc)

2025

Bamburi Cement is acquired by Amsons Group, a Pan-African business conglomerate.

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