KENYAN PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT WARNS DANGOTE OVER LAMU REFINERY, SAYS HE SHOULD RETURN TO NIGERIA IF ELECT

By NaijaParrot October 11, 2026 

 NAIROBI, KENYA — 

Kenyan presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi has warned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote against rushing into the construction of his proposed oil refinery in Kenya, saying he would prioritise local investors if elected president in 2027. Osoi made the remarks while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event, where he argued that Kenya has businesspeople with the capacity to undertake major industrial projects without relying on foreign investors. “I want to tell Aliko Dangote, please don’t rush to start the refinery because, when I’m sworn in as President of Kenya next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria,” Osoi said, according to a report by Vanguard.

The presidential aspirant maintained that Kenyan entrepreneurs should be given the opportunity to develop the country’s refining industry. He argued that local businesspeople could undertake the project, presenting his position as part of a broader call for greater domestic participation in major investments. However, Osoi did not provide detailed information about how a refinery of the proposed scale would be financed or developed by Kenyan investors. His statement represents his political position as an aspirant and does not amount to an official government decision. 

 The controversy comes after Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for a proposed $16 billion oil refinery project in Lamu, Kenya, on September 30, 2026. The planned facility is expected to process approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily and serve Kenya and other markets across East Africa. The project is intended to expand regional refining capacity, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and create opportunities for industrial development. Dangote has described the investment as part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s ability to process its own natural resources.

 Despite the anticipated economic benefits, the refinery project has faced concerns from some residents and environmental advocates. Issues raised include land ownership, compensation for affected communities and the potential environmental impact of the development near Lamu’s coastal ecosystem. These concerns have added to public debate about how the project should proceed and how its economic benefits and potential risks should be managed. 

 Osoi’s comments have brought attention to a broader question about the balance between attracting foreign investment and promoting local ownership of strategic industries. While Osoi says Kenyan investors should take the lead, supporters of the Dangote project point to the scale of the proposed investment and its potential to expand refining capacity, create jobs and support regional energy supply. Osoi’s remarks do not establish that the project would be cancelled if he were elected. Any future decision concerning the refinery would depend on the applicable laws, contractual arrangements and actions of the relevant authorities. 

 NaijaParrot will continue to follow developments surrounding Dangote’s proposed Kenyan refinery and the debate over local participation in major African investments. 

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