Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a has appealed to Kenyan politicians to keep politics out of the Dangote East Africa Refinery project. The Sh2 trillion project, being developed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and create thousands of jobs. Ng'ang'a said leaders should focus on the economic opportunities the project will create for Kenyans, rather than politicizing it.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Lamu, Ng'ang'a emphasized that political differences should not hinder projects with the potential to transform the economy. She encouraged leaders, particularly those from the Mt Kenya region, to support the project and avoid politicizing it. According to Ng'ang'a, the refinery will help address the high cost of fuel, a major concern for households and businesses.
The MP commended President William Ruto for facilitating the investment and bringing the project to Lamu. She expressed gratitude to the President, saying he will be remembered by Kenyans for his efforts. Ng'ang'a also suggested that the refinery could become part of Ruto's legacy, depending on its implementation and the benefits it delivers to Kenyans.
The Dangote refinery is expected to generate electricity and produce a range of petroleum and petrochemical products, including polypropylene and base oil. Dangote said the project will create a wider industrial ecosystem in Lamu, generating opportunities in energy, petrochemicals, logistics, engineering, and other sectors. He also announced plans to establish a training school in Lamu to train 1,000 local residents.
Ng'ang'a urged politicians to find common ground on development projects, arguing that political disagreements should not derail investments intended to benefit citizens. She encouraged Kenyans to judge the project by the jobs, investment, and economic opportunities it creates, rather than the political debates surrounding it. The project has been presented as a major investment with potential regional significance.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by leaders and representatives from several African countries, highlighting the regional ambitions attached to the refinery. Ng'ang'a emphasized that the scale of the investment makes it essential for leaders to prioritize national development over political disagreements. She encouraged politicians to allow projects with potential economic benefits to proceed without being hindered by political contests.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery project is expected to create thousands of jobs and boost Kenya's economy.
- Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a has urged Kenyan politicians to keep politics out of the Dangote East Africa Refinery project.
- The Sh2 trillion project is being developed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
