Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has urged critics of the proposed Lamu oil refinery to direct their concerns to him, stating that the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is responsible for the project. Wandayi made these remarks in Kisumu on Tuesday evening, emphasizing that he would respond to questions surrounding the project, including concerns over associated agreements. He accused some critics, including former government officials, of asking questions whose answers they already knew.
Wandayi challenged those questioning the Lamu project to engage the Ministry of Energy directly rather than directing their concerns at President William Ruto. He stated that the President has delegated to him the functions of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, and therefore, he is the appropriate person to address concerns. Wandayi emphasized that anybody with questions about the Lamu oil refinery should address them to him as the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the docket of Energy and Petroleum.
The Lamu oil refinery project has been a subject of controversy, with critics raising concerns over the agreements associated with the project. Recently, People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro gave President William Ruto 14 days to release the agreement between the government and Dangote over the planned Sh2 trillion-plus refinery in Lamu. Nyoro argued that Kenyans should be allowed to scrutinize the agreement, as some provisions could affect the public interest.
On October 2, Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot formally requested disclosure of the government’s agreement with Dangote East Africa Refinery and Petrochemicals SEZ. Aukot asked for the full contract, including execution copies, schedules, side letters, and amendments, as well as information on the project’s shareholders and beneficial owners. Wandayi’s remarks come amid increasing pressure on the government to provide more information about the project.
Wandayi noted that critics should not hide under Article 35 of the Constitution, as they all know what it means. He emphasized that he would respond to questions surrounding the project and address concerns appropriately. The Cabinet Secretary’s remarks are likely to ease tensions surrounding the project, which has been a subject of debate in recent weeks.
The Lamu oil refinery project is a $16 billion Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Special Economic Zone in Mokowe, Lamu County. President William Ruto and Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote broke ground on the project on September 30, 2026. The project is expected to have a significant impact on Kenya’s economy, but critics have raised concerns over the agreements associated with it.
Wandayi’s challenge to critics to direct their concerns to him is likely to be seen as a positive step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the project. As the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the docket of Energy and Petroleum, Wandayi is well-positioned to address concerns and provide information about the project.
Key points
- Wandayi challenges critics to engage his ministry directly on Lamu oil refinery concerns.
