Bamburi Cement PLC has received the Overall Corporate Circularity and Sustainability Excellence Award at the WEEE Centre’s E-Waste Conference in Diani, recognizing its utilization of alternative fuels and raw materials in cement production.
The company was represented at the conference by William Mwangi and Laurent Monda. Monda participated as a panellist in a discussion on circular manufacturing and metal recycling, while Mwangi attended the gala dinner where the company received the award.
This recognition highlights Bamburi Cement’s efforts to improve resource efficiency, reduce reliance on conventional fossil fuels and promote more sustainable waste management practices.
Turning Waste into Valuable Resources
A key component of Bamburi Cement’s circular economy approach is the use of waste materials as alternative energy sources in its manufacturing operations.
According to the company, its Mombasa plant utilises close to 5,000 tonnes of waste tyres annually through co-processing, providing an alternative to conventional fossil fuels while offering a responsible disposal route for used tyres.
At its Athi River plant, Bamburi also utilises approximately 10,000 tonnes of rice husks annually sourced through agricultural partnerships. The company reports that these husks substitute up to 60% of fossil fuel consumption at the plant.
These initiatives demonstrate how waste materials can be recovered and incorporated into industrial processes, helping conserve non-renewable resources and reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal.
Through its Geocycle waste management operations, Bamburi also works with industries to manage hazardous and non-hazardous waste through co-processing.
This approach enables suitable waste materials to be used in cement production, recovering their energy or mineral value while supporting more responsible waste management.
Read More: Bamburi Cement Secures First Place in Three Categories at Kenya Road Safety Excellence Awards 2026
Extending Circularity into Communities
Bamburi Cement’s circular economy initiatives also extend beyond its manufacturing plants to community partnerships and waste upcycling.
In November 2025, the company partnered with the Machakos County Government to launch the Kyemutheke Upcycling Project, which transforms used cement bags into products such as tote bags, school bags and gym bags.
The initiative combines waste recovery with skills development and livelihood creation. Its first cohort of 30 artisans graduated after receiving practical upcycling training, alongside entrepreneurship and digital literacy skills.
Additionally, the project illustrates how circular economy principles can create value beyond industrial production by turning discarded materials into useful products while supporting local enterprise and sustainable livelihoods.
Advancing Sustainable Production
Bamburi Cement’s recognition aligns with its broader sustainability framework, which emphasises environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, community development and sustainable construction.
The company states that its sustainability agenda supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and guides its efforts to build progress for people and the planet.
By integrating alternative fuels, waste recovery and community-based upcycling into its sustainability initiatives, Bamburi continues to demonstrate practical applications of the circular economy across its operations and partnerships.
The award provides recognition of these efforts, while reinforcing the importance of resource efficiency and responsible waste management in advancing more sustainable industrial practices.
