Kenyan Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, has urged the government to establish a specialised university in Lamu County focusing on chemistry, chemical engineering, and related sciences. This proposal comes ahead of Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s planned refinery investment in the county. The proposed institution could follow the model of specialised universities such as Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), with a focus on training young people in pure and applied sciences.
The university, which Jalang’o refers to as the "Lamu University of Chemical Science and related studies," would provide a ready pool of skilled workers for the Dangote oil refinery. He argues that having a specialised institution near the refinery would allow local young people to acquire skills relevant to the industries expected to develop around the project. This move is expected to create job opportunities for the local youth and boost the local economy.
Jalang’o has also urged Lamu residents to prepare for increased economic activity, saying the refinery investment would significantly increase the circulation of money and create opportunities for businesses. He advises residents to consider developing their properties or waiting for the market to mature rather than disposing of land prematurely. This, he believes, will enable them to benefit maximally from the investment.
The MP cautions landowners against rushing to sell their property, arguing that land values could rise as the investment attracts more workers, businesses, and investors. He encourages residents to position themselves to benefit from the expected growth, which will extend beyond the refinery, with opportunities emerging in real estate, hospitality, entertainment, transport, and other sectors.
Jalang’o described the refinery investment as a major opportunity for the wider Coast region, saying its economic impact could extend beyond Lamu to counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Tana River. He believes the oil and energy industry could generate significant economic activity and create opportunities for businesses across the region.
The Dangote Refinery project is expected to position Lamu as a major industrial and energy hub, with the refinery forming part of wider plans to expand investment and economic activity along Kenya’s Coast. The development is also expected to create demand for supporting infrastructure and services, potentially opening opportunities for local businesses, skilled workers, and investors.
President William Ruto’s government is yet to respond to Jalang’o’s proposal. However, the idea of establishing a specialised university in Lamu has been well-received by locals, who see it as an opportunity to acquire skills and benefit from the expected economic growth. The government is expected to make a decision on the proposal in the coming days.
Key points
- The proposed university would focus on training young people in chemistry and related sciences for the Dangote oil refinery.
- The refinery investment is expected to create job opportunities and boost the local economy.
- The economic impact of the refinery investment could extend beyond Lamu to other counties in the Coast region.
