Membley Estate Rejects Strabag’s Asphalt Plant

Residents of Membley Estate in Ruiru have opposed plans by Strabag International to build an asphalt and concrete batching plant in the area, citing health and environmental risks.

At a public forum on February 13, the residents said they would not tolerate the Australian firm’s plant, citing health risks, environmental harm, and disruption.

“All the homeowners, and by extension the association, have maintained that they don’t want Strabag to set up a batching plant within the estate,” said John Wachira, Chairman of the Membley Park Residents Association.

“We are concerned about the implications of having the plant here — health risks, noise pollution, and eventually making the place uninhabitable,” he added, stressing the dangers.

Nelson Kimathi, a local resident, warned of the plant’s impact on property values, calling it “an eyesore” that could irreparably damage the aesthetic appeal of the neighbourhood.

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While acknowledging the benefits the plant might bring — such as local employment and support for road construction — residents are adamant in their opposition. 

“The large, industrial nature of asphalt and cement plants… diminishes the aesthetic value of the neighbourhood,” Kimathi said, explaining his concerns.

Strabag, a company with a long history in Kenya, is pushing to expand its operations. The firm has been behind major infrastructure projects, such as the Ndakaini Dam, Nairobi-Mombasa Road, and Thiba Dam. However, the local community remains resolute.

Calvin Arum, a consultant for Strabag, tried to alleviate concerns at the forum: “What we are currently doing is a normal process — getting the views of the community…and presenting them to Nema, which will then make a decision based on public interest.”

The residents of Membley, however, have made it clear: the answer is no.

“We maintain again that today, February 13, we have said no to Strabag’s intention to set up the plant in Membley,” Wachira added.

As it is now, the future of this controversial project hangs in the balance.

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