On September 29, ODM leader Oburu Oginga expressed his support for the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, describing it as a potential turning point for the economic fortunes of the Coast region. The refinery, with a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, is expected to drive industrialization, create jobs, and strengthen Kenya's position as a regional industrial hub. Oburu emphasized that the project aligns with the vision of his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote.
The proposed refinery is expected to generate up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity, with about 500MW to be supplied to the national grid. This additional power will help ease electricity constraints and support the growth of businesses and industries along the Coast. Oburu highlighted that the project's success lies in its localized impact on the people of Lamu, and he called for local residents to be integrated into the development process and protected from displacement or unfair compensation.
Oburu also emphasized the potential of the refinery to anchor development along the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, stimulating activity in shipping, logistics, manufacturing, petrochemicals, packaging, and fertilizer production. This, he believes, can help transform Lamu from a predominantly tourism-based economy into a major industrial and logistics center. The project is expected to create more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, with Oburu urging that young people in Lamu and neighboring counties benefit through employment, skills transfer, and businesses linked to the project.
The refinery project has faced bureaucratic sabotage, petty roadblocks, and shortsighted hurdles in the past. However, Oburu praised President William Ruto for creating the necessary goodwill to move the project forward. He described Dangote as a cherished family friend and a true, long-standing brother to Raila, making the project a personal milestone for him and the entire ODM fraternity.
Oburu cautioned that the scale of the investment should not come at the expense of communities hosting the project. He stressed that issues of land ownership, compensation, preservation of local heritage, and access to economic opportunities must be addressed. Oburu called upon the people of Lamu and the wider Coast region to own, protect, and fiercely support the program.
The Lamu refinery project is a significant investment in Kenya's industrial sector, with a total cost of Sh2.2 trillion. The project's implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy, and Oburu's support is seen as a boost to the project's prospects. The ODM leader's backing of the project is also a testament to the strong ties between his family and Dangote Group.
As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that its benefits are equitably distributed and that its impact on the local community is carefully managed. With Oburu's support, the Lamu refinery project is likely to receive increased attention and investment, helping to drive Kenya's industrialization agenda and create new opportunities for economic growth.
Key points
- Oburu Oginga supports the Sh2.2 trillion Lamu refinery project, citing its potential to drive industrialization and create jobs.
