Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, disclosed that President William Ruto personally accompanied him to State House to meet former President Uhuru Kenyatta after bribe demands derailed his plans to build a cement factory in Kenya. This revelation was made on Tuesday, September 29, in an interview ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote East Africa Refinery project in Lamu County. Dangote's account of the events that unfolded several years ago highlights the challenges he faced in Kenya's business environment.
According to Dangote, Ruto intervened directly when the cement factory project ran into trouble over corruption demands. He recounted that Ruto physically drove him to meet Kenyatta, saying "He personally put me in his car and said, 'let's go to the president, tell him what happened,' and that was really what happened." Despite Ruto's intervention, the situation did not improve, and Dangote ultimately abandoned the cement investment. He cited bribery as the reason for the project's collapse.
Dangote emphasized that his company could not afford to pay bribes, stating that "Corruption takes two people to activate it, the person asking for and the giver. We don't give, because we believe we are bringing jobs and prosperity to the country. And we are a listed company, if we are found giving bribes, definitely we will go to jail, and we don't want that." This stance reflects the company's commitment to transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
President William Ruto corroborated Dangote's account, expressing frustration over how the cement factory bid was handled under the previous administration. Speaking at an event in Kilifi on the same day, Ruto said, "Some people undertook conmanship that has robbed the country of major investments. The same Dangote wanted to set up a cement factory, he was taken rounds and disturbed over shares and regulations, until he gave up and left for elsewhere." Ruto's remarks underscored the need to protect and deliver major investments like the refinery project.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery, valued at KSh 2 trillion, is expected to be a game-changer for Kenya's energy sector. The project, which will process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County and other parts of East and southern Africa, is projected to create 60,000 jobs upon completion. The refinery will also strengthen fuel security and drive industrialisation, with spin-off sectors like fertiliser production, chemicals manufacturing, and packaging anticipated to develop around the facility.
The Port of Lamu will serve as a key logistics hub for the project, handling petroleum tankers and supporting marine operations throughout the refinery's lifespan. Dangote's investment in the refinery project demonstrates his confidence in Kenya's business environment and his commitment to contributing to the country's economic growth. The project's success is expected to have a positive impact on the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote East Africa Refinery project marks a significant milestone in Kenya's efforts to develop its energy sector and drive economic growth. With the project's expected benefits, including job creation and improved fuel security, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to transform the country's economy. Key points: - Aliko Dangote's cement factory project in Kenya stalled due to bribe demands. - President William Ruto intervened, driving Dangote to meet former President Uhuru Kenyatta. - The Dangote East Africa Refinery project is expected to create 60,000 jobs and drive industrialisation.
