Kenyan lawyer and academic PLO Lumumba has expressed concerns over the state of universities in Kenya, stating that they are failing to produce professionals with the skills needed for major industrial projects. In a local radio interview on Monday, September 28, 2026, Lumumba used the planned Dangote refinery in Lamu as an example, questioning why foreign engineers are being brought in to work on major projects in Africa. He cited the recent contract secured by Indian firm Engineers India Limited to provide project management and engineering services for the refinery.
Lumumba criticized Kenyan universities, saying they have declined in quality over the years and have become institutions focused mainly on awarding certificates and degrees. He stated that the universities have become worse over the years, and now only confer certificates and degrees without providing practical training. This, he argued, has led to a shortage of skilled workers for major industrial projects, such as the Dangote refinery. Lumumba's comments have sparked a renewed debate about the quality of higher education and skills development in Kenya.
The Dangote refinery and petrochemical complex, planned for Lamu, is expected to become the largest refinery in East Africa when completed. The project, estimated to cost about Ksh2.2 trillion, is expected to take around three years to complete and produce petroleum products for Kenya and other countries in the region. The refinery aims to help reduce dependence on imported fuel. Heavy machinery has already started arriving at Lamu Port ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony, with more than 2,900 tonnes of equipment reportedly delivered for the project.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote refinery is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, with President William Ruto and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote expected to attend. Engineers India Limited's contract, worth more than Ksh5.8 billion, includes providing project management and engineering services for the refinery. The company will serve as the project management consultant and provide engineering, procurement, and construction management services for the greenfield refinery project.
Lumumba's comments highlight the need for universities to improve the quality of education and practical training offered to students. He emphasized that universities should do more than award academic qualifications, arguing that graduates must also be equipped with the practical and professional skills required by industries. The reliance on foreign professionals for major projects should prompt a serious discussion about the quality of higher education and skills development in Kenya.
The Dangote refinery project has generated significant interest and investment in Kenya, with the project's completion expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy. The refinery is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth, both during the construction phase and once it becomes operational. However, Lumumba's concerns about the shortage of skilled workers highlight the need for Kenya to invest in its education system to ensure that it can provide the necessary skills for such large-scale projects.
As the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote refinery approaches, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the project's progress. With the refinery expected to play a significant role in reducing Kenya's dependence on imported fuel, the project's success will be closely watched. Lumumba's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in education and skills development to ensure that Kenya can reap the full benefits of such major industrial projects.
Key points
- Kenyan lawyer PLO Lumumba criticizes local universities for failing to produce professionals with skills needed for major industrial projects.
- The Dangote refinery project in Lamu is expected to become the largest refinery in East Africa when completed.
- Lumumba emphasizes the need for universities to improve the quality of education and practical training offered to students.
