President William Ruto has warned individuals he accused of trying to derail the proposed Sh2 trillion Lamu refinery, saying his administration will push ahead with the project despite court challenges and opposition.
Dr Ruto vowed that construction would be launched in Lamu today as planned, describing the refinery as a major investment that could change Kenya’s economic fortunes.
“God willing tomorrow (today), we will launch the construction of the Sh2 trillion refinery in Lamu. I want to tell you that the project will change the fortunes of our country’s economy,” he said.
Speaking in Kilifi County during the issuance of title deeds, the President accused unnamed individuals of publicly supporting the refinery while allegedly sponsoring court cases and other efforts to stop it.
“There are people who think they can sabotage the investment of that refinery. I have seen them saying some things on social media and press conferences,” he said. Dr Ruto said he would not allow what he described as past practices of imposing excessive conditions on investors to derail major projects.
He cited Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote’s earlier attempt to establish a cement plant in Kenya, saying brokers and demands for shares and other conditions contributed to the investment being abandoned.
“Mr Aliko Dangote was to set up a cement company in Kenya….he was taken rounds with shares and conditions and was sabotaged, forcing him to exit,” he said.
The President warned against a repeat, saying the government would facilitate investors and offer incentives rather than impose conditions. “You undermined Mr Dangote through extortion. I will not allow you to sabotage investments in this republic anymore. Do not tell us to impose conditions on investors,” he said during a public address in Kinango.
Residents take part in demonstrations against the Sh2 trillion Dangote East African Refinery in Lamu on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation
Mr Dangote is now preparing to invest in the proposed Lamu refinery, which the government has presented as a major anchor investment for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (Lapsset) corridor.
Dr Ruto also referred to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), saying Kenya had lost the project after what he described as interference and obstruction.
The 1,445-kilometre pipeline was eventually developed from Uganda’s oilfields to Tanga in Tanzania after the proposed Kenyan route was abandoned.
“Mumehangaisha nchi yetu miaka mingi,” the President said, arguing that such experiences should not be repeated as Kenya seeks to attract foreign investors.
He said foreign direct investment had increased from $1.6 billion in 2022 to $3.1 billion last year and projected that investments linked to Dangote could help push the figure to between $6 billion and $7 billion.
The President said his administration was removing barriers to investment and would provide incentives to attract capital.
Dr Ruto also sought to reassure Kenyans over ownership of the refinery, saying the government would take a stake while citizens would have an opportunity to buy shares through the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
“Investment in the refinery is an open, transparent investment. The government of Kenya will have a stake in it. Kenyans will also have an opportunity to buy shares from the refinery transparently through the Nairobi Securities Exchange,” he said.
The President again accused unnamed individuals of backing legal challenges while publicly presenting themselves as supporters of the project.
The proposed refinery is expected to have a capacity of about 700,000 barrels per day and has been presented by the government as a major industrial investment that could transform the Lamu port corridor.
Residents take part in demonstrations against the Sh2 trillion Dangote East African Refinery in Lamu on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Photo credit: Kalume Kazungu | Nation
The refinery is being positioned as a key component of plans to use Lamu Port and the Lapsset corridor to support industrialisation, trade and energy investment. Its proposed development is expected to deepen activity around the port.
The project has, however, attracted concerns from sections of Lamu residents over land rights, environmental conservation and their involvement in the investment. The President has said the refinery will create jobs, attract foreign exchange and reduce Kenya’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
