The Port of Lamu has received 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery for the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery. The machinery arrived aboard the vessel MV Da Yang, which berthed at Lamu Port on Saturday. This development is a major milestone for the long-awaited project, set to become the first oil refinery in northern Kenya.
Kenya Ports Authority 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, marking the ship's maiden call at the Port. Captain Ruto said the vessel's arrival underscores the government's commitment to the refinery project, which will be a game changer for the entire region.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery, backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation, is planned as a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery and petrochemical complex to be built on The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport land in Lamu. Once complete, it is expected to be the largest refinery in East Africa, significantly expanding the region's refining capacity.
The facility is designed to process crude oil from the Lokichar fields in Turkana County, alongside crude sourced from other parts of East and southern Africa and beyond, before supplying refined petroleum products to regional markets. The project is also expected to anchor related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals and packaging.
Captain Ruto assured shipping partners and customers that Lamu Port was fully prepared to handle current and future cargo volumes linked to the refinery. He added that KPA remained committed to efficient vessel turnaround, seamless cargo operations and customer-focused services that meet international standards.
Dangote Group has set September 30, 2026, for the official groundbreaking ceremony, with President William Ruto expected to lead the event alongside Aliko Dangote. This milestone follows closely on President Ruto's tour on Friday, September 25, of Dangote's existing 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lekki, Lagos.
The successful handling of MV Da Yang demonstrates the port's readiness to accommodate the heavy and specialised cargo expected throughout the refinery's construction phase. Lamu Port is expected to play a central role in handling petroleum tankers and supporting the refinery's marine and logistics needs both during construction and once the facility becomes operational.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery is expected to be the largest refinery in East Africa.
- The facility will process crude oil from the Lokichar fields in Turkana County and other parts of East and southern Africa.
- The project is set to anchor related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals and packaging.
