President William Ruto is set to commence a development tour of the Coast region, starting with the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Sh2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The refinery, a joint project between the Kenyan Government and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, aims to process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County and supply refined petroleum products to markets across East and Central Africa. This project is expected to enhance the region's energy security and create jobs. Ruto's tour will cover six counties, including Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu.
The Lamu refinery project was discussed during talks between President Ruto and Aliko Dangote in the US earlier in the week. Ruto expressed Kenya's readiness to unveil the project, stating that it would "enhance the region's energy security, deepen local value addition, create jobs and advance our industrialisation agenda." The planned refinery is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest refinery in East Africa if completed as planned. It is also expected to create more than 500,000 jobs and strengthen Kenya's energy security.
On September 3, 2026, Dangote announced that the refinery would break ground on September 30 while speaking to investors and analysts in Gaborone, Botswana. However, President Ruto will break ground for the project on Saturday as he begins his tour of the Coast region. During the tour, Ruto will assess government projects and engage residents and local leaders on development priorities. The President will issue title deeds to residents in various constituencies, as part of the government's plan to distribute 500,000 title deeds in the Coast region.
The issuance of title deeds aims to address longstanding land ownership and squatter-related challenges in the region. In Taita-Taveta, Ruto is expected to issue 31,318 title deeds to residents of Mwatate and Voi constituencies. In Kwale, 94,175 title deeds will be issued to beneficiaries in Lunga Lunga, Msambweni and Kinango constituencies. A further 36,826 title deeds will be distributed in Kilifi, while 4,360 will be issued in Mombasa. Lamu and Tana River will receive another 22,770 title deeds.
During his tour, Ruto will also commission completed projects, inspect ongoing works and launch new development projects across the six counties. The tour will provide an opportunity for the President to engage with residents and local leaders on development priorities and assess the progress of government projects. The projects are expected to improve the lives of residents in the Coast region and promote economic growth.
The Lamu refinery project is a significant investment in the region and is expected to turn Kenya into a regional oil and logistics hub. The project will not only create jobs but also provide a reliable supply of petroleum products to the region. The refinery will process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County, reducing Kenya's reliance on imported petroleum products.
President Ruto's tour of the Coast region will conclude with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lamu refinery, marking a significant milestone in the project's implementation. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy and energy security. Key aspects of the project include its expected capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and create over 500,000 jobs.
Key points
- The Lamu refinery project is a joint venture between the Kenyan Government and Aliko Dangote, expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
- President Ruto's tour of the Coast region aims to assess government projects and engage residents on development priorities.
- The government plans to distribute 500,000 title deeds in the Coast region to address land ownership challenges.
