Kenyan presidential aspirant Patrick Osoi has urged Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote not to rush his proposed $16bn refinery project in Kenya, saying he would rely on local investors to develop the facility if elected president next year.
Osoi made the remarks in a video circulating online on Sunday while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event, where he argued that Kenyan businesspeople could undertake the project without depending on the Nigerian industrialist.
“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,” he said.
“We Kenyans have business people who can start the refinery. We also have business people in this country who can do that job. This is what we stand for. This is the home of all movements,” Osoi added.
Dangote Industries plans to build the refinery in Lamu, Kenya, with a proposed processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
The facility is expected to supply Kenya and other East African markets, expand regional refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on September 30, 2026. Reports surrounding the launch put the construction timeline at about 40 months.
The project also faces a land dispute involving 133 residents of Chandavai, who claim their families have occupied and farmed land earmarked for the refinery for years.
The residents have challenged aspects of the land acquisition process and say their interests were not adequately addressed in compensation and resettlement arrangements.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court has ordered parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed parcel ahead of a hearing scheduled for October 14. The order does not, by itself, suspend the entire refinery project or determine ownership of the land.
Separately, the Consumers Federation of Kenya has sought information about the Kenyan government's proposed financial participation in the project, including a reported Ksh21.5bn seed allocation, a proposed government stake and land associated with the development.