LAMU, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced a Sh7.5 billion government allocation to construct 3,000 additional housing units in Lamu County as preparations for the proposed Dangote refinery gather pace.
Speaking during a title deed issuance ceremony in Mokowe on Saturday, October 3, Ruto said the houses would provide accommodation for workers and other people expected to move to the county as the refinery project develops.
“We are allocating Sh7.5 billion to build an additional 3,000 housing units to support housing as we develop the refinery in Lamu County. So that those who are coming to live here will have decent dwelling,” Ruto said.
Housing For Refinery Workforce
The announcement comes days after the groundbreaking of the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery and associated facilities in Lamu.
The project is expected to create demand for labour and services as construction and related industrial activities expand.
Ruto has previously said about 60,000 Kenyans would be required during the construction and operational phases of the refinery.
Dangote Group has also announced plans to train 1,000 Lamu residents for opportunities expected to emerge from the project.
An Indian state-owned engineering firm is also expected to deploy workers after securing a Sh58 billion contract for project management, engineering, procurement and construction management services.
The refinery is planned as part of a wider petrochemical complex with a proposed processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
It is expected to supply petroleum products to Kenya and other markets in the region.
Lamu Industrial Expansion
The Dangote Group has outlined plans for an industrial ecosystem around the refinery, including logistics, engineering, manufacturing and marine services.
The developments are expected to increase economic and employment activity in Lamu as the project progresses.
Ruto said the government was also pursuing other housing-related projects in the county, including an allocation of Sh6 billion for affordable housing, markets and hostels.
He acknowledged delays affecting the proposed affordable housing project in Faza but assured residents that the project would proceed.
In Mpeketoni, the President said a contract had already been awarded for the construction of 900 houses.
He directed Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to expedite the implementation of the project.
