US Embassy issues statement after Dangote Refinery groundbreaking in Lamu

The United States Embassy in Kenya has welcomed the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu County, citing the occasion as a milestone for regional prosperity and a testament to the strength of US-Kenya ties.

In a statement released following the ceremony, the embassy highlighted the role of US-supported infrastructure at Manda Bay in connecting Lamu to what it described as a major investment moment for the region.

“Lamu was the place to be as leaders and investors gathered for the groundbreaking of the Dangote East African Refinery. US-supported infrastructure at Manda Bay helped connect Lamu to a major investment moment for the region. Congratulations, Kenya! We salute the U.S. and Kenyan forces whose dedication, sacrifice, and partnership continue to strengthen security and open new doors to prosperity and growth,” the embassy said.

The ceremony took place in Mokowe, Lamu County, on Wednesday, September 30, with President William Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group, officiating the event.

The facility is designed to exceed its Nigerian counterpart, the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery, in scale, making it potentially the largest petroleum refinery on the continent.

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The plant will draw crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County as well as other sources across East and southern Africa, refining and distributing petroleum products to regional markets.

The Port of Lamu is expected to serve as a critical hub for marine logistics and the handling of petroleum tankers throughout the refinery’s operational lifespan.

Ruto said the project would create 60,000 jobs upon completion, strengthen the country’s fuel security, and accelerate industrial growth.

He also pointed to anticipated spin-off sectors, including fertiliser production, chemicals manufacturing, and packaging, that are expected to emerge once the refinery is up and running.

The Kenyan government will hold a stake in the refinery, with Ruto pledging state support through favourable policy, enabling environment provisions, and the use of public assets.

He also called on ordinary Kenyans to participate by investing in the refinery’s shares. Dangote confirmed the facility would generate 1,000 Megawatts of electricity, twice the output of its Lagos counterpart, and said construction would be completed within 40 months.

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