Leaders and residents in Kenya’s coastal Lamu County have welcomed plans for a proposed Sh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) oil refinery linked to African billionaire Aliko Dangote, describing it as a potential game-changer for the country’s energy sector and the regional economy.
The proposed refinery forms part of broader efforts to expand petroleum processing capacity in East Africa and could position Kenya as a major refining hub on the continent. Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is widely known for developing the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, one of the world’s largest single-train oil refineries.
Local leaders say the project has the potential to transform Lamu by creating thousands of jobs, attracting new industries, improving infrastructure and stimulating economic growth across the coastal region.
However, they have also called for guarantees that local communities will play a meaningful role in the project’s development. Residents are urging the government and investors to prioritize local employment, support local businesses and ensure surrounding communities benefit from the investment.
The proposal comes as Kenya seeks to strengthen its energy infrastructure and increase value addition in the petroleum sector, reducing dependence on imported refined fuel while supporting industrialization.
If approved, the refinery would rank among the largest industrial investments in Kenya’s history and could significantly boost East Africa’s position in Africa’s energy landscape, while reinforcing Lamu’s strategic importance as a gateway for regional trade and petroleum exports.
