President Ruto Announces 60,000 Jobs In Massive Ksh2.2 Trillion Lamu Oil Refinery Deal With Aliko Dangote

President William Ruto has announced ambitious plans to employ approximately 60,000 Kenyans for the construction and operation of a multi-billion-shilling oil refinery in Lamu, set to be built in partnership with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Speaking on Friday, July 10, 2026, during the rollout of the second tranche of the Nyota programme, the Head of State confirmed that these job opportunities will be strictly reserved for Kenyan youth.

A Game-Changer for East Africa

The proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery, estimated to cost a staggering Ksh2.2 trillion, represents one of the largest industrial investments in Kenya’s history. It aims to position the country as a dominant hub in the fuel industry and drastically reduce the region’s reliance on imported refined petroleum.

President Ruto revealed that he has already held conclusive talks with the Nigerian billionaire, noting that while the facility belongs to Kenya, it will serve as a vital energy lifeline for seven neighboring nations:

• Ethiopia

• South Sudan

• Uganda

• Tanzania

• Rwanda

• Burundi

• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

“As you all know, Kenya is set to construct an East African refinery here in Lamu, and we will need 60,000 youths to do that job,” President Ruto stated. “I have talked to businessman Aliko Dangote, and we have agreed with him that the refinery, which belongs to Kenya alone, will also serve [our neighbors].”

Progress Already Underway

The megaproject is expected to replicate Dangote’s massive, world-record single-train refinery located outside Lagos, Nigeria.

According to Edwin Devakumar, the Vice President for Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, the project is moving swiftly. The site in Lamu has already been selected, with soil testing currently underway alongside ongoing design and engineering work.