LAMU, Kenya—The construction of the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery has moved a step closer to reality after the first major consignment of heavy machinery arrived at the Port of Lamu ahead of next week’s groundbreaking ceremony.
The MV Da Yang docked at Lamu Port on Saturday carrying 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction equipment destined for the refinery project, in what marks one of the first major deliveries linked to the planned development.
The arrival comes just days before the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, which is expected to be presided over by President William Ruto alongside Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and other regional leaders.
Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto welcomed the vessel after bringing it alongside and presented its master, Captain Wang Shengli, with a certificate of first call and a commemorative plaque.
Captain Ruto described the arrival of the machinery as a significant milestone for the refinery project, saying it demonstrated the Government’s commitment to ensuring the development succeeds.
“The arrival of this vessel is very critical and shows the Government’s commitment to ensuring this project succeeds. It will be a game changer for the entire region,” said Captain Ruto.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery is planned as a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery and petrochemical complex to be developed in Lamu under the wider LAPSSET corridor. The project is expected to process crude from Kenya’s Lokichar oilfields in Turkana County as well as supplies from other parts of East and Southern Africa.
Once operational, the refinery is expected to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and other regional markets, while supporting related industries and creating new opportunities across the energy and manufacturing sectors.
The Port of Lamu is also expected to become a critical logistics hub for the project, supporting marine operations, vessel handling and the movement of cargo associated with the refinery. KPA says it is preparing to accommodate increased cargo volumes as construction progresses.
The development comes as the Government steps up preparations for the launch of what it has described as a major industrial investment for the Coast and the wider East African region.
President Ruto, who began an eight-day development tour of the Coast on Saturday, is expected to oversee the groundbreaking in Lamu on September 30.
The project is expected to take the refinery sector in East Africa into a new phase, with its planned capacity positioning it as one of the largest refining projects on the continent. The arrival of the first heavy machinery now provides a visible indication that preparations are moving from planning towards physical construction.
