[Original] Kenya: Cement Prices Rise Due to Mining Tax Rise

Cement manufacturers in Kenya are raising their prices in response to the increase in the mining tax imposed by the Ministry of Mines.

On 18 December 2013, Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Kenya, announced that the mining tax levied on the cement industry would be adjusted to Kshs 140/t.

However, most cement manufacturers are dissatisfied with the decision of the Ministry of Mines, and they even think that the tax is "unfair" and "illegal".

It is reported that on October 1, 2013, Kenya's National Cement Company (National Cement) lowered its cement prices, and now, affected by new tax regulations. Kenya's National Cement raised the ex-factory price of its 50 kg bagged cement to KES 625 from KES 600 on October 1, 2013; Bamburi Cement also said it had raised the ex-factory price of its cement; However, ARM said it has not yet adjusted its cement prices, but it is already analyzing its cost structure.