Construction of Dangote East Africa Refinery Takes Off in Lamu His excellency the President Dr. William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, a landmark investment expected to accelerate industrial growth, create thousands of jobs and strengthen East Africa's energy security.
In the colourful and well-attended event, the head of state was joined by other African leaders including Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali,, Togo's President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, Benin's President Romuald Wadagni former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, along side delegates from across Africa.
In his keynote, President Ruto described the project as a transformative milestone that would accelerate Africa's industrialisation agenda while positioning Kenya as a key energy hub. "The establishment of this refinery is a turning point, demonstrating our resolve to reimagine Africa's industrial future, turn our ambitions into action and tap the continent's massive potential," said President Ruto.
The Head of State noted that the project is expected to accelerate Kenya's economy by about 12 per cent, attract an additional $4 billion in foreign direct investment annually during the four-year construction period and create approximately 60,000 direct jobs opportunities.
He added that the investment would not only strengthen local technical expertise but also fast-track the transformation of the LAPSSET Corridor into a major industrial and logistics hub. The head of state announced that the Government of Kenya will invest in the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery through its infrastructure investment funds and acquire an equity stake in the project.
He said the refinery is expected to create more than 60,000 jobs across shipping, manufacturing, logistics, and related sectors while accelerating industrial growth. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group Mr.
Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the company's long-term commitment to investment, skills development, and industrial transformation in Africa. Mr. Dangote said the refinery project in Lamu represents the Group's second major refinery investment on the continent after Ethiopia and is a demonstration of its confidence in Kenya and the wider East African region.
He noted that over 110 pieces of equipment have already been mobilized for the project, with an additiona