Dangote East Africa refinery: Ruto assures Lamu residents land concerns will be handled lawfully

Ruto, who led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ksh.2.2 trillion project alongside Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, said the refinery would be completed within three years and create more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The groundbreaking came after days of protests and petitions by residents over the construction of the refinery and compensation for the land.

Dangote said the company plans to complete the refinery within 40 months.

"I want to promise you that we will come back and commission this refinery 40 months from today. We will set up a training school in Lamu which will train 1,000 of your people. Anybody who has an engineering diploma or degree has a job," Dangote said.

Ruto, however, cautioned Dangote that Kenyans would hold him to his timeline.

"You said you will be back here in 40 months to open this refinery. Kenyans are very good in keeping data. I want to warn you. They normally take me to task every time I give them a time frame," Ruto said.

The President also sought to reassure residents of Mokowe and Chandavai in Lamu County, who have moved to court over compensation for their land, that their concerns would be addressed.

"Land matters will be handled lawfully and fairly. Wages per month will be Ksh.2 billion monthly. Mradi huu hautafanyika pembeni bali utawajumuisha nyote. Mtafanya kazi hapa. Mtatoa huduma hapa. Mtajenga biashara hapa. Na mtastawi pamoja na Lamu," Ruto said.

The President and Dangote said Lamu residents would be given opportunities to benefit from the jobs and businesses expected to emerge from the project.

"At peak, the construction wages could reach Ksh.2 billion. A project of this size needs transport, food, accommodation, maintenance, construction materials, logistics and professional services. The people, beginning with those of Lamu, must know what is needed, what standards apply and prepare to take part," Ruto said.

Dangote reiterated his commitment to training local residents for employment opportunities created by the refinery.

"We will set up a training school in Lamu which will train 1,000 of your people. Anybody who has an engineering diploma or degree has a job," he said.

The President also sustained his criticism of opposition leaders whom he accused of attempting to undermine the project.

"I want to tell those brokers there will be nobody who will talk to you. Hiyo vita yenu baridi, huyu bwana amesema yuko tayari," Ruto said.

Dangote also said he was prepared to face legal challenges against the project.

"We are not scared of people taking us to court. Anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for his trouble and we will give him a headache," Dangote said.