The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, Oburu Oginga, has welcomed the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, describing it as a significant step towards economic emancipation for the Coast region. The KSh 2.2 trillion refinery, backed by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote, is set to process crude oil from Turkana County and other East African sources. This project marks the largest private industrial investment in East African history.
The groundbreaking ceremony, presided over by President William Ruto and Dangote Group president Aliko Dangote, took place on September 30. Oburu Oginga expressed his enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as a structural revolution that will permanently rewrite the economic destiny of Lamu County and the entire coastal region. He noted that the investment carries particular significance for him, given the longstanding relationship between Dangote and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The refinery is designed to process crude oil drawn from Lokichar in Turkana County, as well as from other parts of East and southern Africa, before distributing refined petroleum products across regional markets. Once operational, the plant is expected to surpass the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery in scale. Oburu Oginga praised President Ruto for removing bureaucratic obstacles that had previously stalled the project, enabling it to move forward.
The plant is expected to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity on site, with 500 megawatts earmarked for sale directly to the national grid. This will stabilise energy supply along the coast and reduce persistent regional blackouts. President Ruto had earlier confirmed that the project would create 60,000 jobs upon completion, enhance fuel security, and drive industrialisation.
The Port of Lamu is central to the project's long-term viability, supporting marine logistics and handling petroleum tankers throughout the refinery's operational life. This will further activate the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor. Oburu Oginga urged the people of Lamu and the wider Coast region to own, protect, and fiercely support the programme, viewing it as a key to their children's future and economic liberation.
Oburu Oginga also appealed to host community members to resist efforts to undermine the investment. He expressed his appreciation to President Ruto for recognising the transformative potential of this project and providing the necessary state goodwill to turn it into reality. The ODM leader noted that the project is a manifestation of a shared progressive dream between Dangote and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery is expected to have a significant impact on the economic landscape of the Coast region. With its potential to create jobs, generate power, and drive industrialisation, the project is seen as a major milestone in the region's development. As the project moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure its successful implementation and the realisation of its anticipated benefits.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery is set to create 60,000 jobs and generate 1,000 megawatts of power.
- The project is expected to drive industrialisation and enhance fuel security in the region.
- The refinery will process crude oil from Turkana County and other East African sources.
