Mombasa youth have been exhorted to join Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to get skills in readiness for the 60,000 jobs at the Dangote East African Oil Refinery in Lamu County.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Sh2.2 trillion refinery project by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote took place last month.
It is expected to guarantee a steady supply of refined petroleum products, while reducing East Africa’s dependence on imported fuel.
The Refinery will become the country’s largest private-sector investment and is projected to create about 60,000 jobs.
The Refinery will be Dangote’s second after his 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lekki, Nigeria, which commenced operations in January 2024.
The investment comes at a time when Kenya and the wider region are grappling with rising fuel prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East and disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day Celebrations at the Mama Ngina Waterfront, Mombasa County Commissioner (CC), Mohamed Noor, said leaders should sensitise the youth to join TVETS to be skilled to get the jobs at the Refinery.
“We want the jobs to be taken by Coastal youth; white-collar jobs are becoming scarce,” said the County Commissioner, adding that skills like welding will be needed during the refinery’s construction.
The CC also highlighted various development projects the National Government is undertaking, including Sh40 billion in roads and Sh30 billion in the Affordable Housing Programme.
In Nyali Sub-county, the Sh7 billion Affordable Housing Project (AHP)is steadily taking shape, with the housing component expected to be ready by February 2027. Supporting infrastructure, including a market and school, was progressing well, with the facilities expected to be completed by the end of August 2025.
The multi-use development is being constructed on 23 acres in the upmarket Nyali suburb and commenced in mid-February 2025. It comprises 14 residential blocks featuring studio, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units
“We want Mombasa residents to take up the Nyali AHP houses, which are now near completion,” appealed the CC.
As the holiday season beckons, the CC assured residents that the County Security and Intelligence Committee has laid out strategies to ensure locals and visitors are safe. He noted that short-term apartments have started to record a surge in bookings.
“We will ensure there is security in all areas. We will cooperate with the County Government to light up localities that are in the dark for businesses to continue unabated,” said Noor. He also encouraged parents to ensure the safety of children as schools close for long holidays and to monitor their behaviour and keep them busy not fall into indecorous behaviour.
The CC assured squatters that they will be evicted from their land as the government has an elaborate plan to end the squatter problem through issuance of title deeds and buying out land from absentee landlords. “If you’re a squatter, stay there until you get a title deed,” he said.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir underscored the need to recognise healthcare workers; he termed them unsung heroes who ensure Kenyans receive medical treatment.
He lauded the government for giving stipends to Community Health Promoters and Village Elders.
“There are two things that don’t change: history and figures,” stated Governor Nassir, disclosing that 88,956 have been treated during the October free health services in honour of the late Prime Minister Raila. The free treatment has been extended to November.
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi, hailed the AHP in the entire country; she noted that the Dangote project will significantly address the unemployment problem in the coastal region. “Dangote has come, and our youth will be employed, and it will open up our economy,” she stated.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko posthumously honoured the late Odinga for his sacrifices for the betterment and stability of Kenya. He urged the residents to re-elect President Ruto in honour of the former Prime Minister.
“We are in an election year; President William Ruto will not be intimidated by your treachery and insults. Mombasa will back his reelection,” said Mboko.
Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba said they are against zoning and will square off with their colleagues in UDA under the Broad-Based arrangement. He also extolled the President for returning port operations to Mombasa when he was inaugurated as Head of State.
“Mombasa had started to become a ghost town. When he took the oath of office, he returned port operations to Mombasa,” said Bedzimba.
by Sadik Hassan
