On October 2, 2026, President William Ruto called on leaders and stakeholders in the Coast region to mobilize and prepare young people for upcoming employment opportunities. He outlined key strategic mega-projects across the coastal belt, including the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Likoni, and industrial investments in Vipingo, Kilifi County. These projects are expected to unlock over 60,000 job opportunities.
The KSh 2.2 trillion refinery development in Lamu, backed by Nigerian investor Aliko Dangote, is a flagship project that will serve Kenya and the broader East African region. The project is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment, ranging from construction and engineering roles to port logistics. President Ruto urged regional leaders to organize young people effectively so that local youth secure their fair share of technical, artisan, and support roles.
The announced employment opportunities stem from major infrastructure and industrial developments aimed at transforming the Coast region into a regional manufacturing and logistics powerhouse. The Lamu Port and Energy Hub, the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, and the Vipingo Industrial Park are strategic projects that will create thousands of jobs for local residents. President Ruto emphasized that government agencies, local administration, and community leaders must coordinate skills training and job placement efforts.
The Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, positioned near the Port of Mombasa, is set to host free trade zones, manufacturing hubs, and logistics parks designed to attract foreign direct investment. The Vipingo Industrial Park in Kilifi is emerging as a key economic hub, attracting agro-processing, light manufacturing, and construction developments aimed at boosting youth employment across Kilifi and neighboring counties.
President Ruto stated that his administration will ensure that 60,000 youth from the Coast and across Kenya benefit from the job opportunities. He urged leaders to prepare and organize young people properly, and connect them with job opportunities in Lamu, Dongo Kundu, and Vipingo. The President emphasized the need for coordination between government agencies, local administration, and community leaders to ensure youth are job-ready.
The mega-projects are expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy and youth employment. The projects will not only create jobs but also provide opportunities for skills training and economic growth. President Ruto's pledge to create 60,000 jobs for coastal youth is a significant step towards addressing youth unemployment in the region.
According to President Ruto, the government will work with regional leaders to ensure that local youth benefit from the job opportunities. The President's initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy and youth employment. The mega-projects will also provide opportunities for economic growth and development in the Coast region.
Key points
- President Ruto pledges 60,000 jobs for coastal youth in Lamu, Dongo Kundu, and Vipingo mega-projects.
- The projects are expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment, ranging from construction and engineering roles to port logistics.
- The government will work with regional leaders to ensure that local youth benefit from the job opportunities.
