Ship carrying the equipment for the construction of the refinery/KPA
The arrival of heavy machinery at the Port of Lamu has brought the planned Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery project closer to construction, with preparations now gathering pace ahead of next week’s groundbreaking ceremony.
The port on Saturday welcomed MV Da Yang, which arrived carrying 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery to be used in the development of the refinery.
The arrival is the latest major development ahead of the anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the first oil refinery planned north of Kenya.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto welcomed the maiden vessel and successfully brought it alongside before presenting a certificate of first call and a plaque to the vessel’s master, Captain Wang Shengli.
Captain Ruto said the arrival of the machinery was significant to the refinery project and demonstrated the Government’s commitment to ensuring its success.
“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,” said Captain Ruto.
The planned Dangote East Africa Refinery is a $17 billion (about Sh2.2 trillion) project backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote and the Africa Finance Corporation.
The 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery and petrochemical complex will be built on LAPSSET land in Lamu. It is expected to become the largest refinery in East Africa and expand the region’s refining capacity.
Kenya Ports Authority officials, when they received the equipment in Lamu on September 26, 2026/KPA
The refinery is planned to process crude oil from Lokichar in Turkana County, as well as crude from other parts of East and southern Africa and beyond, before supplying refined petroleum products to regional markets.
The project is also expected to support related industries, including fertiliser, chemicals and packaging.
Dangote has set September 30, 2026, for the groundbreaking ceremony, with President William Ruto expected to lead the event alongside Dangote.
The development comes days after President Ruto toured Dangote’s 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Lekki, Lagos, on Friday, September 25, at the invitation of Dangote.
Ruto’s visit offered a glimpse of the industrial model planned for Lamu, where the refinery is expected to support petroleum processing and related industries.
Kenya Ports Authority managing director William Ruto /KPA
The Port of Lamu is expected to play a central role in the refinery project by supporting marine operations and handling petroleum tankers, a move that will also boost the port’s operations.
Captain Ruto assured shipping partners and customers that the Port of Lamu is fully prepared to handle current and future cargo volumes.
He said KPA remained committed to efficient vessel turnaround, seamless cargo operations and customer-focused services that meet international standards.
Part of the equipment received at the port/KPA