LAMU, Kenya- A Kenya Air Force fighter jet conducted a flypast over Lamu during the groundbreaking of the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery on Wednesday, putting military capability on display as the country marked the launch of the multibillion-shilling investment.
The aerial display brought defence and investment together at the ceremony for the $16 billion project, worth approximately Sh2.1 trillion.
The refinery is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily, with completion targeted for 2030.
Its developers intend to supply petroleum products across East Africa and reduce the region’s dependence on imported refined fuel.
Air power on display at investment ceremony
The flypast placed the Kenya Air Force prominently in an event attended by government delegations and investors, making the military display a notable feature of the groundbreaking.
Security had formed part of preparations for the gathering.
Ahead of the ceremony, Lamu County Commissioner Stephen Sangolo said authorities were coordinating security and logistics, including vetting attendees.
The launch followed improvements at Manda Airstrip to handle increased aircraft and passenger movements.
The Kenya Airports Authority said the works included runway rehabilitation, a passenger walkway and expansion of the aircraft parking apron.
Lamu’s security and economic importance
The military display took place in a county that hosts major transport infrastructure alongside security installations.
Lamu’s security history includes the January 2020 al-Shabaab attack on Manda Bay, which killed one American service member and two U.S. defence contractors. Kenyan and American forces repelled the attack, according to U.S. Africa Command.
The refinery adds another major proposed industrial facility to the area around Lamu Port, increasing the scale of economic activity planned for the county.
Ahead of the groundbreaking, the port received approximately 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery aboard MV Da Yang on September 26.
Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto received the vessel during its maiden call.
Refinery to serve East African markets
Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote has said the facility would process crude from regional producers and overseas suppliers, including the Middle East and the United States.
Regional governments have been offered a combined 30 per cent stake, with participating countries allowed to spread payments for their equity over four years.
Beyond petrol, diesel and jet fuel, Dangote has outlined plans to supply polypropylene to plastics manufacturers and produce base oil used in lubricants. He has also announced plans to contribute to electricity generation in Kenya.
Court dispute continues after groundbreaking
The groundbreaking has taken place with a dispute over part of the project land still before the courts.
Residents claiming rights over the land obtained an order requiring the prevailing position on disputed portions to be maintained pending further proceedings on October 14.
Dangote Group said before the ceremony that the ruling would not prevent the groundbreaking, although it could affect activities at the site. The ceremony does not resolve the outstanding land claims.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed joined President William Ruto in Lamu for the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Refinery.
The proposed Sh2 trillion facility is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily for Kenya and the wider region.
