Orange Democratic Movement party leader Oburu Oginga has welcomed the groundbreaking of a KSh2.2 trillion oil refinery project by Dangote Group in Lamu, describing the investment as a major opportunity for economic transformation in the Coast region.
In a statement issued on September 29, Oburu said the proposed refinery would strengthen industrialisation, create employment and support the development of infrastructure around the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor.
The ODM leader said the project, which he described as a 700,000 barrel per day refinery, represented a significant private investment in Kenya and could have wide economic effects beyond Lamu County.
“Today we witness the groundbreaking of the largest private industrial investment in East African history on our coastline,” Oburu said in the statement.
He also linked the project to the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga’s longstanding interest in industrial development and economic empowerment.
According to Oburu, Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote had maintained a close relationship with Raila and had held discussions with him over Africa’s industrial development.
Oburu also praised President William Ruto for supporting the project, saying the administration had provided the state support required to move the investment forward.
The ODM leader said the refinery could generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity, with 500 megawatts expected to be sold directly to the national grid.
He argued that increased power generation could help strengthen electricity supply in the Coast region and support businesses operating in the area.
The project, according to Oburu, could also create more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and provide technical skills and employment opportunities for young people in Lamu and neighbouring counties.
He further said the refinery could become an anchor for the LAPSSET corridor by stimulating activity in shipping, logistics and marine infrastructure.
Oburu said the investment could also encourage the growth of related industries, including petrochemicals, manufacturing, packaging and fertiliser production.
However, he called for local communities to be adequately involved in the development process. He said residents affected by the project should receive fair compensation and protection of their land rights.
“The success of this Ksh 2.2 trillion investment lies in its fundamental, localized impact on the people of Lamu,” he said.
Oburu urged the government and project stakeholders to ensure that host communities benefit from the investment while their rights and heritage are protected.
His statement comes as major infrastructure and industrial projects continue to shape economic development plans along Kenya’s Coast, with Lamu positioned as a key centre for the LAPSSET corridor and related investments.
APERIT FM, HII NI YETU
