The Port of Lamu has received a significant shipment of heavy construction machinery for the Dangote East Africa Refinery, a project valued at Sh2.2 trillion ($17 billion). The 2,930 metric tonnes of equipment arrived on the vessel MV Da Yang, which berthed at Lamu Port on Saturday. This development marks a major milestone for the long-awaited project, set to become the first oil refinery in northern Kenya. The refinery is expected to have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, personally received the vessel and presented its master, Captain Wang Shengli, with a Certificate of First Call and a Commemorative Plaque. Captain Ruto emphasized that the vessel's arrival demonstrates the government's commitment to the project's success. He assured stakeholders that Lamu Port is fully prepared to handle the increased cargo volumes and provide efficient services. The KPA is working to ensure seamless cargo operations and customer-focused services that meet international standards.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery, backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation, will be built on the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) land in Lamu. Once completed, it will be the largest refinery in East Africa, significantly expanding the region's refining capacity. The facility will process crude oil from the Lokichar fields in Turkana County and other sources, supplying refined petroleum products to regional markets. The project is also expected to anchor related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals, and packaging.
Captain Ruto highlighted that the successful handling of MV Da Yang demonstrates the port's readiness to accommodate heavy and specialised cargo throughout the refinery's construction phase. As petroleum-processing and related industrial activity develops along Kenya's northern coast, Lamu Port is expected to play a central role in handling petroleum tankers and supporting the refinery's marine and logistics needs. The port's capacity to handle increased cargo volumes will be crucial during construction and once the facility becomes operational.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote East Africa Refinery is scheduled for September 30, 2026, with President William Ruto expected to lead the event alongside Aliko Dangote. This milestone follows President Ruto's recent tour of Dangote's existing refinery in Lekki, Lagos, where he gained insight into the industrial model envisioned for Lamu. The ceremony will mark a significant step forward for the project, which has been in development for several years.
In addition to the refinery project, KPA is working on the construction of a dry port in Moyale, with discussions underway with the Marsabit County Governor to secure land and cooperation. The dry port forms part of broader efforts to realise the full vision of the LAPSSET Corridor, linking Lamu Port to inland trade routes stretching into northern Kenya and beyond. This development will further enhance the region's connectivity and trade capabilities.
The arrival of the heavy machinery and the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony underscore the progress being made on the Dangote East Africa Refinery project. With a planned capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, the refinery is expected to have a significant impact on the region's energy landscape and economy. The project's success will depend on efficient logistics and operations, for which Lamu Port is preparing to play a critical role.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery will have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and is expected to be the largest refinery in East Africa.
- The project is valued at Sh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) and will be built on the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) land in Lamu.
- The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery is scheduled for September 30, 2026.
