Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a has spoken out against politicians undermining the Dangote East Africa Refinery project, urging leaders to support economic initiatives rather than derail them for political gain. Ng'ang'a made the remarks in response to opposition voices that have poked holes in the mega project, with some critics claiming it is opaque and stands to benefit only a select group of government sympathisers.
Ng'ang'a praised President William Ruto for securing the investment, saying the refinery will create 60,000 jobs and lower fuel prices in Kenya. She underscored the scale of the opportunity the facility presents for Kenyan youth, stating that it will employ 60,000 young people and help reduce fuel prices. Ng'ang'a condemned those who play politics with initiatives meant to move Kenya forward.
The groundbreaking for the Lamu refinery took place on September 30, with Dangote saying the plant will be operational within 40 months. President Ruto and Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian billionaire and president of Dangote Group, presided over the ceremony in Mokowe, Lamu County. Heads of state, including Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, attended the event.
The refinery is designed to process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County as well as from other parts of East and southern Africa, distributing refined petroleum products across regional markets. It is expected to surpass the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery in scale and will generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity, twice that of its Nigerian counterpart.
Beyond jobs and fuel security, spin-off industries in fertiliser production, chemicals manufacturing, and packaging are anticipated once the facility is operational. The Port of Lamu will support marine logistics and handle petroleum tankers throughout the refinery's operational life. Ruto confirmed that the Kenyan government will hold a stake in the refinery, pledging support through policy, enabling environment, and assets.
Ng'ang'a commended President Ruto for bringing the project to fruition, describing it as a legacy-defining achievement. She also drew attention to the cost of political delays on public projects, stating that had the refinery been established earlier, young people would already be working there in Lamu. The project is expected to benefit the people of Kenya, and Ng'ang'a urged politicians to acknowledge its success.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery project is expected to create 60,000 jobs and lower fuel prices in Kenya.
- The refinery will be operational within 40 months and will generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity.
- The Kenyan government will hold a stake in the refinery, pledging support through policy, enabling environment, and assets.
