Kenyan President William Ruto has announced the official groundbreaking date for the proposed Dangote oil refinery project, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s ambition to become East Africa’s leading petroleum refining and trading hub.

The multi-billion-dollar refinery, backed by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, will be built in Lamu and is expected to have a refining capacity of about 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest refinery in East Africa once completed.

President Ruto said the project will boost Kenya’s economy by creating thousands of jobs, strengthening energy security, reducing reliance on imported refined petroleum products, and positioning the country as a regional fuel supply hub. He also appointed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to chair a government committee that will coordinate the implementation of the refinery project alongside private investors.

According to Dangote Industries, the refinery will be financed through a mix of internal funds, bonds, and a future public offering. Construction is expected to take about three years after the groundbreaking ceremony