County leaders in Lamu have urged that a large share of employment and business contracts from the planned Dangote oil refinery be allocated to local residents and enterprises, arguing the Sh2.2 trillion investment should translate into tangible community benefits.

The refinery, slated to break ground on September 30, is projected to generate more than 60,000 jobs once operational.

Former Lamu East MP Hashim Fumo said local participation should begin early in the project, while fellow politician Hashim Omar proposed that 70 percent of the positions be filled by Lamu residents.

Mechanical‑engineering student Nudhar Abdulrahaman echoed the call, urging that qualified young people be considered before companies recruit workers from outside the county.

Project scale and regional importance

The 700,000‑barrel‑per‑day refinery will be larger than Dangote’s existing 650,000‑barrel facility in Nigeria and is expected to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighboring countries, reducing reliance on imported fuel.

Lamu’s economy is already shifting with the development of Lamu Port, where three of the planned 23 berths are now operational, although incomplete road links under the LAPSSET corridor have limited broader economic benefits.

Political spotlight on the investment

President William Ruto intends to highlight the Lamu refinery investment at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, co‑chairing investment discussions with Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote.

Local stakeholders have expressed concern that the large‑scale investment will deliver meaningful employment and business opportunities for communities living alongside the project.