Leaders and residents of Lamu County welcomed plans by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to build an oil refinery in the area instead of Tanzania.
Yesterday President William Ruto handed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki the task of leading a government and private sector team to coordinate preparations for the investment. He said the government has begun preparations and the date for laying the foundation stone has been scheduled.
The refinery will be the largest in East Africa with capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It will supply petroleum products to Kenya and neighboring countries and reduce import costs.
Deputy Governor Dr Mbarak Salim and Lamu Port General Manager Abdulaziz Mzee praised the project. Residents stressed the need for full compensation, 70 percent local youth jobs and community involvement to avoid issues seen in the LAPSSET project.