The Lamu county was transformed into a military camp on September 30, 2026, as the Kenyan government hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery project. The event, which was attended by high-profile guests, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, was under heavy security. The area was filled with security personnel from various agencies.
The security measures began on Tuesday as final preparations for the event were underway. Areas such as Mokowe, Hindi, Mpeketoni, Lamu Island, and the Lamu port witnessed a significant presence of security officials coordinating special operations to receive visiting national leaders. The main entrance to Lamu Island, known as Mokowe Jetty, and the Kililana area at Lamu Port, where the ceremony took place, were under tight security.
The airspace above Lamu Island and the Lapsset project area was filled with military and police aircraft conducting regular patrols. Helicopters ensured the security of leaders arriving at Manda Bay and Manda airports. The sea was also under strict security, with Kenyan Navy ships and fast security boats patrolling the Indian Ocean waters from Lamu town to Kililana to prevent unauthorized vessels from approaching the ceremony area.
On land, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, General Service Unit (GSU) police, and other security agencies set up checkpoints on major roads leading to Lamu port. At the main entrance to the port, all visitors were required to verify their identities and undergo thorough checks before being allowed to enter. Despite the tight security measures, the atmosphere within the ceremony area was festive, with community leaders, youth, and guests from within and outside the country gathering to witness the launch of the major project.
The ceremony began with President Ruto, alongside President Museveni and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, officially launching the project by breaking ground. Shortly after, KDF aircraft performed a special display in the air to demonstrate that the area was secure for such a significant strategic investment. During his speech, Dangote revealed some of the events that occurred when President Ruto and his wife, Rachel Ruto, visited his oil refinery in Lagos, Nigeria.
Dangote praised former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for his contribution to his previous industrial projects in Nigeria. The launch of the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery project is expected to have a significant impact on the region, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. The project, valued at Sh2 trillion, is one of the largest investments in the region.
The launch of the project also provided an opportunity for local businesses in Lamu to benefit from the influx of guests. Many hotels were fully booked, and businesses such as cafes, fuel stations, transportation, and other services recorded a significant increase in customers. The event showcased the country's ability to host high-profile international events while maintaining security and stability.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery project is valued at Sh2 trillion and was officially launched on September 30, 2026.
- The launch of the project was attended by high-profile guests, including Kenyan President William Ruto, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
- The event was under heavy security, with KDF personnel, GSU police, and other security agencies deployed to ensure the safety of the guests and the project area.
