Bamburi Cement Kiln Used for Destruction of Narcotics

Bamburi Cement Plc yesterday hosted the destruction of more than one tonne of narcotic substances valued at more than KSh 8.2 billion as part of the firm’s law enforcement support programmes.

At a function presided over by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Bamburi Cement’s Clinker manufacturing kiln, which fires to temperatures of more than 1,500 °C, provided the ideal space for destroying the methamphetamine.

Speaking at the event, Bamburi Cement Plc Chief Executive Officer Mr Geofrey Ndugwa, alongside national security leaders, said the firm had, over the years, supported and facilitated law enforcement programmes as part of its corporate citizenship obligations.

“As a responsible manufacturer and a company deeply rooted in the Coast region, we recognise that our responsibility extends beyond producing cement. Today’s exercise demonstrates what is possible when Government agencies and the private sector work together towards a common public interest objective. At no cost, we are proud to make our facilities available for the safe and lawful destruction of materials that pose a serious threat to our society,” said Mr Ndugwa,

He added, “That is why we have long stood with government agencies whenever the public interest called. With the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Bureau of Standards and security enforcement agencies, we have helped to safely dispose of more than 10,000 tonnes of narcotics, contaminated grain, illicit and counterfeit products.”

Technically, the Bamburi Clinker kiln attains about 1,450 to 1,500 degrees centigrade, with the flame at the main burner approaching 2,000 degrees. According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, gases stay in the main firing zone for more than five seconds at up to 2,000 degrees, far beyond the two seconds at 850 degrees needed for complete burnout. Under those conditions, the organic molecules that make up narcotic substances such as methamphetamine are completely broken down with no residue or emission.