Dangote, Ruto to Break Ground on $16 Billion Lamu Refinery Amid Land Dispute

President William Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony for the East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu on Wednesday. The project, backed by Dangote Industries, is valued at Sh2.2 trillion ($16 billion) and aims to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

The refinery is expected to supply petroleum products to Kenya and other countries across East Africa, reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products and creating opportunities for investment and employment.

However, the project faces a legal challenge from residents who claim ancestral ownership of portions of the land earmarked for the refinery. The court has issued interim orders directing parties to maintain the status quo pending further directions.