From legal concerns to regional fragmentation: Why Dangote refinery project risks straining EAC unity

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Oburu Odinga has expressed his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking of the Ksh2.2 trillion Dangote oil refinery in Lamu. In a statement dated September 29, 2026, Oburu hailed the project as a game-changer for the Coast region and Kenya's industrialization efforts. Describing the refinery investment as a significant step towards economic transformation and national industrialization, Oburu emphasized the project's potential to reshape the economic fortunes of Lamu County and the broader region.

He welcomed President William Ruto's role in facilitating the project, noting that the government had removed historical obstacles that had hindered the investment, thereby creating an environment conducive to private-sector participation. Oburu highlighted the refinery's expected 1,000 megawatts of power, with 500 megawatts intended for direct supply to the national grid, which could stabilize electricity supply along the Coast and bolster local businesses.

He further emphasized the refinery's potential to generate over 60,000 jobs, provide skills development opportunities, and support downstream industries like petrochemicals, manufacturing, and agro-fertilizer production. Oburu called on residents of Lamu and the Coast region to support the project while remaining vigilant in safeguarding their interests.