Kenya is set to break ground on the planned Dangote-backed East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu on September 30, 2026, marking the start of construction of one of the country’s largest planned private-sector industrial investments.
The refinery, backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, is estimated by Kenyan officials at about $15–17 billion, although Dangote has previously put the project’s value at around $20 billion. The facility is planned to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, which would make it the largest refinery in East Africa if completed as planned.
President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s support for the project, saying the necessary land has been secured and that authorities are working to remove administrative hurdles ahead of construction. Ruto made the remarks after touring Dangote’s refinery in Lagos, Nigeria, on September 25.
The Lamu facility is expected to serve both Kenya and regional markets, potentially supplying refined petroleum products to countries across East and Central Africa. The government has also linked the project to the development of related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals and packaging.
Preparations for the groundbreaking are already underway in Lamu. A ship carrying about 2,930 tonnes of machinery and construction materials has arrived at the port ahead of the ceremony.
The Kenyan government expects the wider project to generate tens of thousands of jobs, although the precise employment impact will depend on the project’s construction and operational phases.
If construction proceeds according to the announced timetable, the Lamu refinery would significantly expand Kenya’s petroleum-processing and petrochemical ambitions while positioning the country as a potential regional energy hub.
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