Ruto Reveals Global Fuel Disruptions Sparked Lamu Refinery Plan

President William Ruto has revealed that the conception of the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery project in Lamu was directly triggered by global fuel supply disruptions. Speaking at State House, Mombasa, the President explained that Kenya's vulnerability to international oil market shocks became glaringly apparent during periods of tension in the Middle East.

The President cited specific disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz as a wake-up call for the need to secure the nation's petroleum supply chain. He detailed how he dispatched officials from his office to engage with Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote and inspect his existing refinery operations, leading to the recommendation of establishing a similar facility in Kenya.

The Lamu refinery is envisioned not just as a domestic asset, but as a regional hub that will process crude oil for the entire East African market. By localizing refining capacity, Kenya aims to reduce the cost of imported refined petroleum products and improve its balance of trade.