LAMU, Kenya- Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has arrived in Lamu ahead of Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Sh2 trillion East Africa Oil Refinery, which President William Ruto is expected to lead.
Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Moses Wekesa received Dangote at Manda Airport on Tuesday, the authority said.
His arrival comes as Lamu prepares to host government leaders, investors and other guests for the September 30 ceremony, marking the formal launch of the refinery project.
The proposed facility is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day, with Dangote putting its investment cost at $16 billion, approximately Sh2 trillion.
Airport upgraded for arriving guests
KAA has been improving Manda’s facilities to accommodate increased aircraft and passenger movements ahead of the event.
The works include runway improvements, a passenger walkway and an expanded aircraft parking apron.
Technical and operational teams have also been deployed to support airport services during the ceremony period.
Dangote’s arrival follows engagements in Nairobi, where he met investors at the Nairobi Securities Exchange earlier on Tuesday.
During the meeting, he also outlined plans to list his fertiliser business in 2027.
Machinery delivered to Lamu Port
Preparations have also been advancing at the Port of Lamu, which has received 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery for the refinery.
The shipment arrived ahead of the groundbreaking, with President Ruto and Dangote expected to attend the launch.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar earlier inspected preparations at the port, according to the Kenya Ports Authority.
KPA said port operations were continuing as crews unloaded the machinery from MV Da Yang.
The authority says the refinery is intended to process crude from Kenya’s Lokichar fields in Turkana, alongside supplies from other regional and international producers, and sell refined products across East Africa.
Ruto promises opportunities for Kenyan investors
Ahead of the ceremony, President Ruto said the government would hold a stake in the project and ordinary Kenyans would have an opportunity to acquire shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
“The ownership and operations of the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery, which we will launch tomorrow in Lamu, will be open and transparent,” he said.
The President did not specify the size of the public share offer or when it would become available.
The proposed Lamu investment is separate from Dangote’s existing Nigerian refinery business, whose initial public offering has also drawn interest from Kenyan and East African investors.
Ceremony proceeds amid land dispute
The launch preparations are continuing despite an unresolved court dispute involving residents who claim rights over part of the project land.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court has ordered that the prevailing status quo on the disputed property be maintained pending an October 14 hearing.
The case was brought by Salim Tima Swale and 132 others.
Dangote Group said on Tuesday that the ruling would not prevent the groundbreaking ceremony, although it could affect some activities at the site.
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also confirmed that the government intended to proceed with Wednesday’s event.
The residents’ land and compensation claims remain before the court.
Earlier visit to the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Before travelling to Lamu, Dangote visited the Nairobi Securities Exchange, where he engaged Kenyan and East African investors on the initial public offering of his Nigerian refinery business.
NSE Chief Executive Officer Frank Mwiti said the exchange unveiled a Capital Markets Authority-approved Global Depository Receipts programme that will allow Kenyans to participate in shillings through their standard Central Depository System accounts.
The receipts will be listed on the NSE, providing local investors with access to the Nigerian refinery’s share offer. This investment is separate from the proposed refinery in Lamu.
“African capital must increasingly finance African ambition,” Mwiti said after the meeting.
