The Port of Lamu has welcomed a ship carrying 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery for the planned Dangote East Africa Refinery. The arrival of the MV Da Yang marks a major development in the Sh2.2 trillion project, backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation. The refinery, expected to be the largest in East Africa, will have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto oversaw the vessel's arrival and presented a certificate of first call and a plaque to the vessel's master, Captain Wang Shengli. Captain Ruto emphasized the significance of the machinery's arrival, demonstrating the government's commitment to the project's success. He described it as a "game changer" for the region.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery will be built on LAPSSET land in Lamu and process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County, as well as from other parts of East and southern Africa. The refinery will supply refined petroleum products to regional markets and support related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals, and packaging. The project is expected to boost the region's refining capacity.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery is scheduled for September 30, 2026, with President William Ruto expected to attend alongside Aliko Dangote. This follows President Ruto's visit to Dangote's 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lekki, Lagos, on September 25, where he saw the industrial model planned for Lamu.
The Port of Lamu is set to play a central role in the refinery project, supporting marine operations and handling petroleum tankers. Captain Ruto assured shipping partners and customers that the port is fully prepared to handle current and future cargo volumes, committing to efficient vessel turnaround and seamless cargo operations.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery project is a $17 billion venture that will create new opportunities for the region. With the arrival of the heavy machinery, preparations are gathering pace ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. The project's success is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy.
The Kenya Ports Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the project, with Captain Ruto highlighting the authority's focus on customer-focused services that meet international standards. The refinery's development is anticipated to have a positive impact on the region's refining capacity and petroleum processing industry.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery will have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and is expected to become the largest refinery in East Africa.
- The project is backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation, with a total investment of $17 billion.
- The groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery is scheduled for September 30, 2026.
