Ruto said the discussions focused on financing and final preparations for the commencement of the ambitious refinery project, which the government has described as a major component of its industrialisation and energy security agenda.
The President held the talks with Dangote Industries President and CEO Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Zubairu on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
“We are ready to break ground on the East Africa refinery in Lamu,” Ruto said.
According to the President, the project is expected to strengthen East Africa’s energy security while increasing local value addition and creating employment opportunities.
He said the refinery would also support Kenya’s wider efforts to industrialise the economy and reduce reliance on imported refined petroleum products.
Ruto reveals focus of Dangote meeting
Ruto said his meeting with Dangote and the AFC chief was specifically aimed at addressing the financing and final preparations required before the project can commence.
“Held talks with the President and CEO of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Samaila Zubairu, on the sidelines of UNGA in New York, USA, to discuss the financing and final preparations for commencement of the project,” Ruto said.
The involvement of Dangote, one of Africa’s most prominent industrialists, comes as Kenya seeks to mobilise private-sector capital for major infrastructure and industrial projects.
Dangote has previously invested heavily in Africa’s industrial sector, most notably through his refinery and petrochemicals complex in Nigeria.
Lamu refinery expected to transform energy sector
Ruto said the proposed Lamu refinery would have implications beyond Kenya, positioning the coastal project as a regional economic and energy hub.
“The refinery will unlock new economic opportunities, strengthen regional supply chains and position East Africa as a competitive energy and industrial hub,” he said.
The government expects the project to generate new opportunities for businesses involved in construction, logistics, energy, manufacturing and related industries.
Its location in Lamu also places the project within Kenya’s broader plans to develop the coastal region as an important gateway for trade and investment.
Financing remains central to project
The latest discussions indicate that financing remains a critical part of preparations for the refinery.
Ruto said the meeting with Dangote and AFC was aimed at progressing the financial arrangements as well as other preparations necessary before construction begins.
The Africa Finance Corporation is a pan-African multilateral development finance institution that invests in infrastructure and industrial projects across the continent.
Its involvement alongside Dangote places both private-sector investment and development finance at the centre of Kenya’s plans for the refinery.
Ruto promises tangible benefits
The President said the government is determined to move the project from plans to implementation.
“We are focused on turning this landmark project into reality and delivering tangible benefits for the people of the region,” Ruto said.
The refinery is expected to form part of Kenya’s broader strategy of adding value locally, creating jobs and strengthening domestic and regional supply chains.
For Lamu and the wider coastal region, the project could also bring increased demand for supporting infrastructure and services if construction proceeds as planned.
The latest announcement therefore places renewed attention on the proposed refinery, with financing and final preparations now emerging as key steps before groundbreaking.
Ruto's meeting with Dangote and the AFC leadership in New York comes as the President uses the UN General Assembly week to engage international investors, financial institutions and business leaders on Kenya’s development agenda.
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