Kenyan Presidential Candidate Tells Dangote to Delay Refinery Project, Says Locals Can Build Their Own

Kenyan presidential candidate Patrick Osoi has urged Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to delay his proposed oil refinery project in Kenya, arguing that local investors have the capacity to develop the facility themselves.

Osoi made the remarks while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event, where he said he would prioritise Kenyan businesses if elected president in 2027.

“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.

He argued that Kenyan businesspeople could finance and build a refinery without depending on the Nigerian industrialist. However, he did not provide details on how his proposed administration would mobilise the financing or organise the investment required for a project of that scale.

Dangote’s $16bn Refinery Project

Osoi’s comments come after Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto officially launched construction of the proposed refinery in Lamu County on September 30, 2026.

The $16 billion project is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and supply petroleum products to Kenya and other markets across East Africa. Completion is targeted for around 2030.

The refinery is expected to reduce the region’s dependence on imported petroleum products and expand Africa’s capacity to process crude oil locally.

The project is also expected to create jobs and attract investment into Kenya’s energy and industrial sectors. Dangote has indicated that regional governments could collectively hold a 30 per cent stake in the facility.

Land Dispute Raises Legal and Environmental Questions

Despite the launch, the project faces legal challenges over land ownership and concerns raised by local residents.

A group of 133 residents has challenged the development on land they claim as ancestral property, raising concerns about compensation and the proposed use of the site.

In September, Kenya’s Environment and Land Court directed parties to maintain the status quo over the disputed parcel pending a hearing scheduled for October 14, 2026. The order did not prevent the September 30 groundbreaking ceremony, although the dispute remains a potential issue for the project.

Environmental concerns have also been raised about the refinery’s location near Lamu’s ecologically and culturally significant areas.

Osoi Pitches Local Investment

Osoi’s remarks reflect his stated preference for local participation in major industrial projects. He said a government under his leadership would encourage Kenyan entrepreneurs to take responsibility for investments that could strengthen the country’s economy.

However, his proposal comes after the Dangote project had already entered its groundbreaking stage, backed by the Kenyan government and international industrial partners.

The refinery’s future will depend on its financing, construction, regulatory approvals and the resolution of outstanding legal issues. Osoi’s comments add a political dimension to the debate over foreign investment, local ownership and Kenya’s long-term energy strategy.