NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced that the planned East Africa oil refinery in Lamu County is expected to create 60,000 jobs, describing the multi-trillion-shilling project as one of Kenya’s largest investments and a major boost to regional energy security.
Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, the President said he had held discussions with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, the lead investor in the project, on the employment opportunities expected during the construction and operational phases of the refinery.
The project is expected to position Kenya as a regional petroleum refining hub while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Ruto Says Refinery Will Employ 60,000 Youth
President Ruto said the refinery will require a large workforce once construction begins, providing significant employment opportunities for young Kenyans.
“We will now build the East Africa oil refinery here in Lamu, and it will require 60,000 young people to work on the project.”
“I have spoken with the investor, our brother Aliko Dangote. The refinery will create employment opportunities for our youth,” the President said.
The announcement comes as the government intensifies preparations for the implementation of the strategic energy project.
Refinery to Serve East African Region
According to the Head of State, the refinery is being designed as a regional facility that will supply refined petroleum products beyond Kenya.
He said the plant will serve Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), strengthening regional energy integration and reducing dependence on imported refined fuel.
“The refinery will not serve Kenya alone; it will serve Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and even the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” Ruto said.
The government expects the project to enhance Kenya’s position as a strategic energy and logistics hub in East and Central Africa.
Kindiki to Lead Government Committee
The latest remarks follow President Ruto’s announcement earlier this week that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will chair a special government committee to coordinate the implementation of the refinery project alongside private investors.
Speaking at State House on Wednesday, the President described the proposed refinery as a KSh2.2 trillion investment.
“I have asked the Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, to chair the government committee that is going to work with private investors and players for what will be one of the largest investments in our country, the investment in the East African oil refinery,” Ruto said.
He also revealed that the government and investors have already agreed on a groundbreaking date, although it has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Construction Expected Within 30 Months
The proposed refinery is planned to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the largest refining facilities on the African continent.
Government projections indicate that construction will take approximately 30 months after groundbreaking, with the project expected to stimulate investment in infrastructure, logistics and supporting industries.
Officials believe the refinery will create thousands of additional indirect jobs through supply chains, transport services and local businesses in Lamu and neighbouring counties.
Lawyer Threatens Court Action
Despite the government’s optimism, the project is already facing legal scrutiny.
Lawyer Levi Munyeri has warned that he will move to the High Court to stop construction if the government fails to conduct public participation before implementation begins.
In a statement, Munyeri gave the government a one-week ultimatum to begin consultations with residents of Lamu County.
“Free advice to Ruto and his people. Pause, take a month and do public participation with the people of Lamu on the Dangote Oil Refinery.”
“If you don’t act accordingly within a week, I will petition the High Court to stop the planned construction. Be advised,” he said.
The lawyer argued that public participation is a constitutional requirement for major public projects and warned that failure to comply could expose the project to legal challenges.