the $20 million factory set to create over 600+ jobs in Kisumu
Industrial growth in Kisumu County continues to gather momentum following a major manufacturing investment by Keda Ceramics, which has established the first sanitary ware factory in Kenya and the largest sanitary ware production facility in East Africa.
The new plant represents a $20 million investment and marks a significant milestone in the region's journey toward industrialization and job creation. With the capacity to produce 4,000 sanitary wares per day, the factory is expected to transform the local construction supply chain while creating over 600 jobs for youth in Kisumu.
Boost for local manufacturing and housing demand
The investment aligns closely with the national government's push to expand the Affordable Housing Programme under the administration of William Ruto. The initiative has created a surge in demand for locally produced construction materials, encouraging manufacturers to establish production facilities within the country.
According to the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, the housing programme is acting as a catalyst for new factories that supply building inputs such as tiles, steel, cement, and sanitary fittings. By producing these materials locally, the government hopes to reduce dependence on imports, stabilize prices, and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes across the country.
Strategic location in Miwani
The new factory is located in the Miwani area, a strategic site within Kisumu County that offers access to transport networks, regional markets, and a growing workforce. The plant's daily output of 4,000 units is expected to meet rising demand not only in Kenya but across neighboring countries within the East African Community.
This expansion builds on Keda Ceramics' earlier success in Kenya, where the company already operates major tile manufacturing plants in Kajiado. By expanding to Kisumu, the company is positioning itself to serve the Lake Region and broader East African market more efficiently.
Job creation and youth empowerment
One of the most immediate impacts of the factory is employment. The project has already generated approximately 600 jobs, offering opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, engineering, and administration. Beyond direct employment, the investment is expected to support thousands of additional livelihoods through supply chains, transport, small businesses, and service providers.
For Kisumu's youth, this represents a major step toward economic empowerment and skills development in the manufacturing sector.
Lower costs for construction materials
Local production of sanitary products such as toilets, sinks, and bathroom fittings is expected to significantly lower construction costs. Previously, many of these items were imported, making projects vulnerable to shipping delays, foreign exchange fluctuations, and high logistics costs.
With the new facility now operational, developers and contractors can access locally manufactured, affordable sanitary ware, helping to speed up housing and infrastructure projects nationwide.
Strengthening the Lake Region's industrial base
The Kisumu factory is part of a broader government strategy to attract foreign direct investment into the manufacturing sector and industrialize the Lake Basin region. By bringing large-scale factories closer to regional markets, the government hopes to create balanced economic growth beyond Nairobi and other major cities.
The arrival of Keda Ceramics signals growing investor confidence in Kisumu as an emerging industrial hub. As more factories and manufacturing projects take root, the county is steadily positioning itself as a key production center for construction materials in East Africa.
A new chapter for Kisumu's economy
This landmark investment highlights how strategic partnerships between government and private investors can drive economic transformation. With job creation, reduced imports, and increased manufacturing capacity, the Keda Ceramics sanitary ware factory represents a major step forward for Kisumu and Kenya's broader industrial ambitions.
As industrial activity continues to expand, Kisumu County is increasingly becoming a vital player in supporting Kenya's housing, infrastructure, and regional trade goals.
What do you think about the new factory?
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