Kenya breaks ground on $2.2 trillion Dangote refinery
A Sh2.2 trillion refinery project in Lamu is set to boost industrial growth, create thousands of jobs and strengthen East Africa’s energy security.
President William Ruto has presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, describing the project as a landmark investment that could accelerate industrialisation, create thousands of jobs and strengthen East Africa’s energy security.
The ceremony brought together several African leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Togo’s President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové and Benin’s President Romuald Wadagni, as well as former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and delegates from across the continent.
In his keynote address, President Ruto said the refinery would support Kenya’s ambition to become a major energy and industrial hub while accelerating development along the LAPSSET Corridor.
He said the project could boost Kenya’s economic growth by about 12%, attract an additional $4 billion in foreign direct investment annually during its four-year construction period, and create approximately 60,000 direct jobs.
The President also announced that the Kenyan government plans to invest in the refinery through its infrastructure investment funds and acquire an equity stake in the project.
According to Aliko Dangote, the refinery is expected to have the capacity to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, supplying petroleum products to Kenya and markets across Eastern and Central Africa. The project is expected to be completed within approximately 40 months.
The development is also expected to generate employment across shipping, manufacturing, logistics and related industries while strengthening local technical expertise and transforming the LAPSSET Corridor into a major industrial and logistics hub.
The event was attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Chief Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other senior government officials.
Representatives from Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), including Board members Ahmed Muktar, Daniel Mugao, Emmanuel Kibet and Willison Mwai, as well as KPA Chief Executive Officer William Ruto, were also present at the ceremony.
