KSh2.2 Trillion Dangote-Backed Lamu Refinery Set for September 30 Groundbreaking

Construction of the $17 billion (Ksh 2.2 trillion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu is set to begin on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with President William Ruto leading the groundbreaking ceremony.

The mega-project, backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), represents one of the largest private-sector industrial investments in East Africa’s history.

Speaking on Tuesday following final preparation meetings, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that protocol, security, and logistics arrangements are being finalized to host invited regional Heads of State, foreign dignitaries, and members of the local community.

“We are now putting up the final preparations to ensure that all the guests that come receive the right protocol reception to ensure the program of the event is managed in accordance with the stature of this event, and also to ensure that security and logistics are organised to the standards of this event,” Kindiki stated.

Boosting Regional Industrialization and Employment

Designed with a massive processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the facility will serve as a regional hub for petrochemical refining and industrial operations. Kindiki highlighted that the mega-refinery will significantly reduce Kenya’s foreign exchange drain caused by refined fuel imports while driving job creation across the Coast region.

“Once again, this project will reduce pressure on our foreign exchange because we spend a lot of money importing oil, and then number two, we are very, very optimistic because this project will help us create jobs in the region of 50,000 jobs,” Kindiki said, adding that total employment creation could exceed 60,000 jobs once ancillary industries are established.

The Deputy President also noted that the refinery will integrate directly with Kenya’s upcoming domestic crude production ecosystem, which the government expects to operationalize toward the end of the year.

“We are looking forward to this project supporting our own oil production industry, which we expect to start operating towards the end of this year,” he added.

High-Level Talks in New York

The push toward groundbreaking follows direct diplomatic and financial consultations between President Ruto, Aliko Dangote, and AFC Chief Executive Officer Samaila Zubairu. The leaders met on Monday, September 21, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to finalize financing structures and execution frameworks.

President Ruto stressed the strategic importance of transitioning the megaproject from planning to immediate implementation.

“We are ready to break ground on the East Africa refinery in Lamu, a transformative project that will enhance the region’s energy security, deepen local value addition, create jobs and advance our industrialisation agenda,” Ruto said.

“The refinery will unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen regional supply chains and position East Africa as a competitive energy and industrial hub.”

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