The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) has warned of substandard cement that is increasingly circulating in the Kenyan market.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 28, the IEK President, Shammah Kiteme, claims that the circulating substandard cement is from several brands and even bears the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) mark.
The engineers, according to Kiteme, have documented a 25 per cent reduction in the strength of concrete prepared with the substandard cement, which not only undermines the durability and strength of buildings but also compromises public safety due to the risk of building collapse. "Kenyans have, over time, been concerned by the reports of collapsing buildings and compromised infrastructure across the country.
IEK notes with concern the worrying trend of the prevalence of substandard cement in the market," Kiteme stated.
