The Port of Lamu has received 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery destined for the proposed Sh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) Dangote East Africa Refinery, as preparations gather pace ahead of a planned groundbreaking ceremony on September 30.
The machinery arrived aboard the vessel MV Da Yang, which berthed at Lamu Port on Saturday in what officials described as a major milestone for the long-awaited project — set to become the first oil refinery in northern Kenya.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, personally received the Vessel, before presenting its master, Captain Wang Shengli, with a Certificate of First call and a Commemorative Plaque, marking the ship’s maiden call at the Port.
Speaking after the reception, yesterday, evening, Captain Ruto said the Vessel’s arrival underscored the government’s commitment to the refinery project.
“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,” he said.
He assured shipping partners and customers that Lamu Port was fully prepared to handle current and future cargo volumes linked to the refinery, adding that KPA remained committed to efficient vessel turnaround, seamless cargo operations and customer-focused services that meet international standards.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery, backed by Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation, is planned as a 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery and petrochemical complex to be built on The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) land in Lamu.
Once complete, it is expected to be the largest refinery in East Africa, significantly expanding the region’s refining capacity.
The facility is designed to process crude oil from the Lokichar fields in Turkana County, alongside crude sourced from other parts of East and southern Africa and beyond, before supplying refined petroleum products to regional markets.
The project is also expected to anchor related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals and packaging.
He added that KPA, on behalf of the National government, is working on the construction of a dry port in Moyale, with discussions currently underway with the Marsabit County Governor to secure land and cooperation for the facility.
He said the dry port forms part of broader efforts to realise the full vision of the LAPSSET Corridor, linking Lamu Port to inland trade routes stretching into northern Kenya and beyond.
Dangote Group has set September 30, 2026, for the official groundbreaking ceremony, with President William Ruto expected to lead the event alongside Aliko Dangote.
The milestone follows closely on President Ruto’s tour on Friday, September 25, of Dangote’s existing 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lekki, Lagos, at the invitation of the Dangote Group, a visit that offered a preview of the industrial model envisioned for Lamu.
The KPA MD said the successful handling of MV Da Yang demonstrates the port’s readiness to accommodate the heavy and specialised cargo expected throughout the refinery’s construction phase.
He added that as petroleum-processing and related industrial activity develops along Kenya’s northern coast, Lamu Port is expected to play a central role in handling petroleum tankers and supporting the refinery’s marine and logistics needs both during construction and once the facility becomes operational.
By Amenya Ochieng
