President William Ruto has held talks with Dangote Industries President and CEO Aliko Dangote over the proposed East Africa Refinery in Lamu, as Kenya moves closer to the commencement of the project.
In a statement on Monday, September 21, 2026, Ruto announced plans to break ground on the proposed East Africa Refinery in Lamu, saying the project will strengthen the region’s energy security and accelerate Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.
Ruto said the refinery project was among major investments being prepared for implementation as Kenya seeks to expand local value addition, create jobs and position the country as a regional energy hub.
The President made the announcement after holding talks with Dangote Industries President and CEO Aliko Dangote and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) CEO Samaila Zubairu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Ruto, the meeting focused on financing arrangements and final preparations for the commencement of the refinery project.
“We are ready to break ground on the East Africa refinery in Lamu, a transformative project that will enhance the region’s energy security, deepen local value addition, create jobs and advance our industrialisation agenda,” Ruto said.
The President said the refinery would open up new economic opportunities while strengthening regional supply chains.
He added that the project would help position East Africa as a competitive energy and industrial hub by increasing the region’s capacity to process and add value to petroleum products locally.
“The refinery will unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen regional supply chains and position East Africa as a competitive energy and industrial hub,” Ruto said.
Ruto discusses refinery financing
Dangote’s involvement brings one of Africa’s largest industrial groups into discussions around the proposed refinery, while the Africa Finance Corporation is expected to play a role in mobilising financing for the project.
The President said the government was now focused on moving the project from planning to implementation.
“We are focused on turning this landmark project into reality and delivering tangible benefits for the people of the region,” he said.
Lamu’s role in Kenya’s energy ambitions
The proposed refinery forms part of Kenya’s broader plans to develop Lamu into a major logistics, energy and industrial centre.
The project is expected to have implications beyond Kenya by serving a wider East African market and strengthening regional petroleum supply chains.
For Lamu, the development could also create opportunities for employment, supporting industries and other businesses linked to construction, energy and logistics.
Ruto’s announcement comes as his administration continues to court private and development-finance investment in large infrastructure and industrial projects, with the government seeking to increase local production and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
