Ruto Says Sh2.2 Trillion Dangote Refinery Will Transform Kenya’s Industrial Economy

President William Ruto has said the Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery will transform Kenya’s energy and industrial sectors while strengthening the country’s position as a regional manufacturing hub.

Ruto, who on Wednesday presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in Lamu alongside Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote, said the $16 billion project would have an impact extending beyond Kenya’s borders.

The refinery is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it one of the largest planned refining facilities in Africa and positioning Lamu as a major petroleum and industrial centre in East Africa.

Ruto said the project would help reduce the region’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products while strengthening energy security and easing pressure on foreign exchange.

“This is more than a refinery. It is an integrated industrial complex featuring a 1,000MW power plant, plastic factory and the manufacturing of fertilisers and chemicals,” Ruto said.

The President said the project was expected to generate thousands of jobs during construction, build local technical expertise and support the development of industries linked to the refinery.

According to Ruto, the project could also accelerate the development of the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, positioning the region as an industrial and logistics hub.

He said Kenya had to move away from an economic model in which African countries export raw materials and import finished products.

“For too long, Africa has exported raw materials and imported finished products, exporting wealth and jobs. We are firm in our determination to reverse this trend,” Ruto said.

The President described the refinery as part of efforts to increase value addition on the continent and deepen African industrial capacity.

The project is expected to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring East African markets once operational. Reuters reported that the facility is scheduled for completion in 2030 and is expected to support regional fuel supply and petrochemical development.

The groundbreaking comes amid ongoing legal and environmental concerns surrounding the refinery site, including a land dispute involving local residents. The Dangote Group has nevertheless proceeded with the groundbreaking while the legal process continues.