NAIROBI/DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzanian business magnate Edhah Abdallah Munif has hit an unexpected hurdle in his ambitious bid to acquire a significant stake in a major Kenyan cement manufacturer, a move that was expected to reshape the regional construction materials market.
According to sources familiar with the transaction, Munif’s acquisition plan has been put on hold as Kenya’s Competition Authority (CAK) reviews concerns about market concentration and possible dominance in the cement sector.
Industry insiders suggest that the deal, valued at several million dollars, could give Munif control over one of Kenya’s fastest-growing cement producers — a move that would significantly expand his East African investment portfolio.
Munif, known for his diversified business interests in logistics, real estate, and energy, has been eyeing the Kenyan market as part of a broader strategy to secure supply chains for Tanzania’s booming infrastructure sector.
With demand for cement soaring across East Africa, analysts believe his investment would create synergies between Tanzanian and Kenyan operations, potentially stabilizing prices and boosting cross-border trade.
Market experts have welcomed the possibility of foreign direct investment but cautioned that competition oversight is necessary to avoid anti-competitive practices. “While this deal could inject capital and expertise into the industry, regulators must ensure it does not distort the market or disadvantage smaller players,” said a Nairobi-based financial analyst.
CAK officials have indicated that they will issue a final ruling within 60 days. If approved, the deal could pave the way for one of the region’s largest cross-border mergers in the cement industry, strengthening East African economic integration.
Meanwhile, Munif’s representatives have expressed confidence that all regulatory issues will be resolved and that the acquisition remains on track.
Kenya and Tanzania remain two of East Africa’s key construction markets, with ongoing projects in housing, road construction, and energy infrastructure fueling high demand for cement.
Analysts note that successful completion of this deal could set a precedent for more cross-border investments and consolidate East Africa as a competitive manufacturing hub.
