'Lekki proved it can be done, Lamu must repeat it,' Dangote says at refinery launch

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony attended by regional leaders, Dangote said the refinery, estimated to cost USD 16 billion (approximately KSh 2.1 trillion), would demonstrate Africa's ability to undertake large-scale industrial projects using its own resources and expertise.

"Lekki proved that it can be done, Lamu must prove that it can be repeated," Dangote said, referring to his refinery in Nigeria.

"I want to promise you that we will come back and commission this refinery 40 months from today."

Dangote revealed that discussions leading to the project initially centred on establishing a fertiliser plant before evolving into the proposed petroleum refinery.

He said preparations were already underway, with more than 110 pieces of equipment available for the project and an additional 400 expected to arrive within the next 60 days.

The businessman emphasised the importance of industrialisation, arguing that African countries must invest in processing their natural resources rather than relying heavily on exports of raw materials and imports of finished products.

"Africa cannot build lasting prosperity by exporting what we have and importing what we need," he said.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who attended the ceremony, praised Dangote for his investment ambitions, describing the project as an example of African-led industrial development.

"Dangote has shown that Africa can do and do it well. Thank you for being a responsible son of this continent," Kindiki said.

The ceremony attracted regional leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Benin President Romuald Wadagni and Togo President Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, according to information provided by the event organisers.

Other regional representatives included Burundi's Energy Minister, South Sudan's head of delegation, Rwanda's Trade Minister and Tanzania's Deputy Minister.

Meanwhile, Lamu Governor Issa Timamy criticised individuals who have moved to court seeking to stop the project, accusing them of frustrating an investment he said would create thousands of employment opportunities for local residents.

"We saw people move to court to stop this project. Sisi watu wa Lamu tunasema hao si watu wa Lamu, they are enemies of Lamu and we shall not accept," Timamy said.

"How do you want to stop a project which will give jobs to thousands of our people?"

The governor also challenged those who had participated in demonstrations against the development, maintaining that the county stood to benefit economically from the investment.

During the ceremony, residents were also cautioned against hastily disposing of their land amid claims that property values in the area had risen significantly following the announcement of the project.

The refinery is being presented by its proponents as a major industrial investment for Lamu and the wider East African region, although its projected economic benefits and commissioning timeline remain dependent on successful implementation.