Production of cement, a key construction material, surged past half a million tonnes in Kenya last according to the latest data.

A total of 500 428 tonnes were manufactured in the month, pushing total production, by the end of November, to 5.21 million tonnes, the Star reported. This is far higher than the 5.06 million tonnes churned out in the whole of 2013 and 4.64 million in 2012.

The 11-month total is 12.3 per cent higher than the 4.64 million tonnes produced over a similar period in the previous year, and 21.7 per cent more than in 2012.

According to the newspaper production has increased to match fast-growing consumption of the commodity, which is being propelled by huge infrastructure projects countrywide and real estate development.

Consumption, though still lower than production, is rising steadily and remained above the 400 000-tonne mark for seven months in a row to September.

Production has increased amid new entrants into the market and capacity expansion by existing manufacturers. Cement makers in the country include state-run East African Portland Cement, Athi River Mining, Bamburi Cement, National Cement, Mombasa Cement and Savannah Cement.

The bulk of cement consumed in real estate, if mainly in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado and Machakos counties where construction of office blocks, retail space, homes and warehouses, has increased significantly.

–The Star