Middle East Fuel Disruptions Sparked Lamu Refinery Plan, President Ruto Says
He cited disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil transit route, as one of the developments that highlighted the need for Kenya to strengthen its petroleum security.
President William Ruto of Kenya revealed on Thursday evening that the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery project was initially conceived due to fuel shortages in the country, which were exacerbated by global oil supply disruptions. Speaking to journalists at his State House residence in Mombasa, the President explained that the idea to bolster Kenya's petroleum security was sparked after Kenya faced difficulties accessing fuel amid tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route.
Ruto disclosed that he consulted with Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote and visited one of his refineries before deciding to proceed with the project. He noted that initial locations like Tanga in Tanzania were considered, but the project was later deemed more suitable for Lamu due to the depth of the Indian Ocean there, which allows for the use of large vessels to transport crude oil.
The government has set aside 9,000 acres for the development and plans to acquire an additional 3,000 acres, along with a 5,000-acre Special Economic Zone that will complement the wider development.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
