Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has arrived at Manda Airport in Lamu, Kenya, ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for his proposed $2.2 trillion East Africa Oil Refinery. Dangote landed at Manda Airport on Tuesday evening, September 29, and was received by Moses Wekesa, Managing Director and CEO of the Kenya Airports Authority. The ceremony, set to take place on Wednesday, is expected to be presided over by President William Ruto.
The proposed refinery, located in the Lamu Port area, is expected to significantly expand petroleum refining capacity in East Africa. The project, valued at approximately $2.2 trillion, will have the capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The facility is planned as a refinery and petrochemical complex that will process crude from the Lokichar oil fields in Turkana County, alongside crude sourced from other parts of East and Southern Africa and international markets.
Preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony are underway, with a large tent, chairs, and heavy construction machinery already in place at the proposed refinery site. A video seen by sources showed extensive preparations at the venue, including a raised dais, screens, and rows of chairs arranged for guests. Heavy construction machinery was also seen parked outside the venue. The ceremony is expected to take place at the proposed refinery site in the Lamu Port, within the Magogoni area of Lamu County.
Several high-profile guests are expected to attend the ceremony, including President William Ruto and several heads of state and government. Lamu County Commissioner Stephen Sangolo previously said the county expected as many as 14 heads of state and approximately 2,000 guests to attend the ceremony. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar toured the Port of Lamu on Tuesday to assess preparations for the event.
The proposed refinery is expected to create thousands of jobs and support wider economic activity through petroleum processing, logistics, manufacturing, and related industries. However, the project is also facing a legal dispute over land, with 133 residents challenging aspects of the acquisition and compensation process. The Malindi Environment and Land Court has ordered that the status quo on the disputed parcel be maintained until October 14.
Despite the legal dispute, Dangote Group has said the launch will proceed, although the order could affect activities at the site. Earlier, vessel MV Da Yang docked at the Lamu Port, delivering 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery linked to the refinery project. The equipment arrived at the port on Saturday, September 26, adding to the growing activity around the project ahead of the groundbreaking.
The Lamu refinery project is a significant investment in East Africa's energy sector, and its completion is expected to have a major impact on the region's economy. With the groundbreaking ceremony set to take place on Wednesday, all eyes are on Lamu as the country prepares to host this high-profile event. Key stakeholders, including government officials and business leaders, are expected to attend the ceremony, which has been billed as a major diplomatic and industrial gathering for Lamu.
Key points
- The proposed refinery will have the capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
- The project is valued at approximately $2.2 trillion.
- The ceremony is expected to be presided over by President William Ruto.
