Kenyan Presidential Candidate Rejects Dangote’s $16bn Refinery Plan

Kenyan presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi has opposed Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s proposed $16 billion oil refinery project in Lamu, declaring that he would rely on local investors if elected president in 2027.

In a video that went viral on Sunday, Osoi told supporters at a Lions Movement event that Kenya had capable business leaders who could establish a refinery without foreign involvement.

“I want to tell Aliko Dangote, please don’t rush to start the refinery because, when I’m sworn in as President of Kenya next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria,” he said.

Dangote’s refinery project, launched on September 30, 2026, in partnership with President William Ruto, is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and serve Kenya as well as other East African countries.

The construction timeline is estimated at 40 months.While the project is touted as a major step toward strengthening Africa’s refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products, it has faced opposition from local residents over land ownership, compensation, and environmental concerns.

A Kenyan court has also ordered the maintenance of the status quo in a land dispute tied to the project.

Osoi’s remarks highlight growing political debate around foreign investment in Kenya’s energy sector, as the country prepares for next year’s presidential election.