Plizio Visual Lab
Pan Paper Mills Webuye
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Pan Paper Mills in Webuye, western Kenya, was once the largest integrated pulp and paper mill in East and Central Africa. Established in 1970 as a joint venture between the Kenyan government and Orient Paper Industries, the mill served as the economic heartbeat of Webuye town in Bungoma County for decades. At its peak, the facility produced tens of thousands of tonnes of paper for the domestic market and export, providing livelihoods to thousands of workers directly and indirectly. Due to rising energy costs, obsolete machinery, and management challenges, the mill was forced to shut down in 2009, leading to devastating economic consequences for the entire region. In 2016, the facility was acquired by the Rai Group and renamed Rai Paper, followed by a phased reopening of its production lines. The revitalization of the mill is seen as a major milestone for regional industrialization and has boosted confidence in western Kenya's manufacturing sector. Today, the plant focuses on producing various grades of paper using more modern and efficient technologies to regain competitiveness and promote local value addition.
- Location: Kenya
- Nearby: Kimilili (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 52 | 49 | 128 | 275 | 260 | 173 | 159 | 201 | 188 | 200 | 175 | 89 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Pan Paper Mills in Webuye are a historic paper factory that has played a central role in the local economy of Kenya for decades. The mill processes wood into paper products and employs many people in the region.
Visiting
The factory is typically not open to the public as it is an active industrial operation. From the surrounding roads, one can see the sprawling factory halls and smokestacks.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is from the main road through Webuye, offering an overview of the entire mill complex. The hills east of the town also provide an impressive view of the facility.
Local products
Shops in Webuye may offer paper products such as notebooks and stationery produced locally. Direct sales from the mill are typically not available to travelers.
Active season
Paper production typically runs year-round, with possible seasonal maintenance shutdowns. Peak activity occurs during the drier months when log supply from surrounding forests is best.
Nearby
A visit to Pan Paper Mills can be combined with exploring the town of Webuye and its markets. Nearby natural reserves such as Mount Elgon National Park also offer opportunities for a combined trip.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1970 as a joint venture between government and Orient Paper.
- Located in Webuye town, Bungoma County, western Kenya.
- Was once the largest integrated pulp and paper mill in East Africa.
- Faced collapse in 2009 due to high costs and mismanagement.
- Acquired by the Rai Group in 2016 and renamed Rai Paper.
- Reopening has provided a vital economic boost to the Webuye region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pan Paper Mills Webuye (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Pan Paper Mills Webuye?
It was once East Africa's largest paper mill and is now a symbol of industrial revival in Bungoma County.
Is the factory open to tourists?
Direct access for tourists is limited, but the industrial site can be viewed from the main road.
What is the Webuye region known for?
The region is known for the factory and the nearby Broderick Falls (Nabuyole Falls).
What is there to see nearby?
The Nabuyole Falls on the Nzoia River offer an impressive natural backdrop near the industrial site.
When is the best time to visit Webuye?
Best during the dry season (January, March) to also enjoy optimal views of the nearby waterfalls.
Pan Paper Mills Webuye: where is it located?
Pan Paper Mills Webuye is located in Kenya.
Pan Paper Mills Webuye: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Pan Paper Mills Webuye: why is it worth visiting?
Pan Paper Mills in Webuye, western Kenya, was once the largest integrated pulp and paper mill in East and Central Africa.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Kenya →
Nearby cities
Bungoma
Bungoma is a bustling agricultural and commercial center in western Kenya.
Kimilili
Kimilili is a thriving agricultural town near the slopes of Mount Elgon.
🗺️
Webuye
Webuye is an industrial town in Bungoma County, primarily recognized for its defunct paper mill.
Kakamega
Kakamega is a prominent town in western Kenya, known for the nearby tropical Kakamega Forest.
Mumias
Mumias is a town in Kakamega County, historically tied to the Wanga Kingdom.
Saïda
Saïda is a city in the mountains of the Tell Atlas, known for its thermal springs.
Kitale
Kitale is an agricultural town in northern Rift Valley, situated between Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills.
Vihiga
Vihiga is a densely populated town in western Kenya, situated among massive rocky hills.
Kapsabet
Kapsabet is the administrative center of Nandi County, heavily immersed in tea cultivation.
Kisumu
Kisumu is the third-largest city in Kenya and serves as a major port on Lake Victoria.
Tororo
Tororo is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Siaya
Siaya is a significant town in Nyanza region, deeply rooted in the culture of the Luo people.
Busia
Busia is a bustling town situated directly on the border with Uganda.
Mbale
Mbale is a significant city in Uganda, known for its vibrant culture and economic importance in the region.
Sipi Falls
Three spectacular waterfalls on the edge of Mount Elgon, surrounded by coffee plantations and hiking trails.
More places
Nzoia Sugar Company
One of the large sugar factories in western Kenya, a major employer in the Bungoma region.
Western Kenya – Sugarcane Growing
The Western Kenya region is known for large-scale sugarcane cultivation.
Mount Elgon National Park
Known for its large caves where elephants look for salt.
Uganda Escarpment
Stepped landform at the Rift edge.
Mount Elgon
An extinct shield volcano on the border between Uganda and Kenya.
Eldoret Textile Mills (Rivatex)
A revived textile mill contributing to job creation in the textile and apparel industry.
Mount Elgon Coffee Region
Famous for producing high-quality Arabica coffee.
🗺️
Namekara Vermiculite Mine
One of the world's largest vermiculite deposits, the mining of which plays an important role in the Ugandan mining sector.