Lamu youth and community leaders are demanding that at least 70 per cent of jobs created by the proposed Ksh2.2 trillion Dangote refinery be reserved for residents, with construction expected to break ground in September, 2026.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The residents have welcomed the planned refinery, saying the project could provide much-needed employment opportunities for young people in a county where unemployment remains a major concern.

The proposed refinery and petrochemical complex is expected to create about 60,000 jobs during construction and operation, raising hopes that the investment could significantly transform livelihoods and economic opportunities in Lamu.

However, residents want the government and Dangote Group to enter into a legally binding agreement guaranteeing locals a substantial share of the jobs before the project gets underway.

📌 What You Need to Know

“We are not against the refinery. We agree with the refinery taking place because we have no jobs and this opportunity can give us 60,000 positions that will help many youths here,” one of the youths said.

The proposed investment has been described as a major regional project, with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, expected to break ground on the refinery and petrochemical complex in September.

The project is estimated at Ksh2.59 trillion ($20 billion), and Dangote Group has offered East African countries a combined 30 per cent equity stake in the development, and Kenya has been offered a 10 per cent stake valued at about Ksh64.74 billion ($500 million), according to President William Ruto’s economic adviser David Ndii.

Ethiopia and Rwanda have also expressed interest in the regional stake, with the proposed 30 per cent share for East African countries valued at about Ksh194.21 billion ($1.5 billion).

According to previous reports, Ndii said countries that may not commit to purchasing products from the refinery could still participate through a backstop arrangement, potentially allowing the regional partnership to proceed.

Despite the scale of the investment, Lamu residents want local participation to extend beyond employment and equity discussions , calling for training programmes that equip young people with the skills required for technical and professional positions.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke