BY DPCS
BY DPCS
Preparations are in top gear for the launch of the East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu County, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has indicated.
The DP said every detail needed for successful groundbreaking on September 30, 2026 is being considered to ensure construction of the 2.2 trillion-shillings project commences without hitches.
“We are putting up the final preparations to ensure that all the guests receive the right protocol and reception and the programme is managed in accordance with the stature of this event,” DP said.
The Deputy President on Tuesday at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi met with members of the committee tasked with overseeing preparations for the event ahead of the launch next Wednesday.
The refinery to be constructed by Nigerian Businessman Aliko Dangote will serve Kenya and the neighbouring East African countries that presently rely on oil imports.
Prof. Kindiki said senior government dignitaries from the region and beyond are expected to grace the event.
“We are expecting President Ruto to host a number of Heads of State and Government from this region. We also expect the local community to be part of this launch,” DP noted.
On Monday, the Head of State held talks with Dangote on the sidelines of the 81st United Nation General Assembly in New York giving assurance on the groundbreaking preparations.
The refinery will process at least 700, 000 barrels of oil per day when in full operation. The government projects that it will create over 50, 000 jobs boosting the country’s quest to reduce unemployment.
“This is a very important project for our country and our region. It is going to provide petro-chemical refinery services and industrial operations for this region.
“We are also optimistic because this project will help us create over 50, 000 jobs. We are also excited because it will empower the communities in Lamu and the coastal region in terms of jobs and other opportunities,” DP noted.
Additionally, DP said, the project will reduce pressure on foreign exchange required for importation of oil hence cushioning the local economy from global shocks associated with the industry.
“We are also looking forward to this project supporting our own oil production industry which we expect from the end of this year to start operating. This is an ecosystem that is going to change Lamu, the coastal region, Kenya and East Africa,” he emphasized.
