President William Ruto has confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ksh2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu will take place as scheduled on Wednesday. The ceremony, to be led by the President, will bring together several regional leaders and dignitaries at Lamu Port. The refinery, backed by the Dangote Group, is expected to significantly impact Kenya's economy.
The President made the announcement during the issuance of title deeds to residents in Kilifi on Tuesday. According to Ruto, the refinery will transform Kenya's economy and create thousands of jobs. He emphasized the project's importance, stating that it will have a positive effect on a large part of the national economy. The project is seen as a major investment in the region.
President Ruto also criticized those opposing the project, accusing them of attempting to undermine the investment through court cases and public statements. He expressed concern that some individuals are trying to sabotage the project using social media and press conferences. The President warned that such actions will not be tolerated.
Ruto cited past experiences where brokers frustrated major investments in Kenya, resulting in lost opportunities for the country. He mentioned Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote's plans to establish a cement plant in Kenya, which were hindered by disputes over shares and other conditions. The President also referred to Uganda's plans to build a crude oil pipeline through Kenya, which was eventually taken to Tanzania.
The Lamu refinery project has faced some opposition, with 133 residents of Chandavai in Lamu seeking to halt activities linked to the refinery over claims of ancestral land ownership, compensation, and resettlement. However, the Malindi Environment and Land Court declined to stop the planned groundbreaking, ordering parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed parcel pending an inter partes hearing on October 14.
The refinery, which will process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is expected to supply refined petroleum products to markets in Kenya and the wider East African region. The government has linked the project to increased investment, industrialization, and employment, with Ruto estimating that it will create around 60,000 jobs. The project is seen as a major boost to the region's economy.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lamu refinery is set to proceed despite some opposition. The project has been touted as a major investment in the region, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and transform Kenya's economy. President Ruto has assured that the project will move forward as planned, with the ceremony taking place on Wednesday at Lamu Port.
Key points
- The Lamu refinery project is expected to create around 60,000 jobs and transform Kenya's economy.
