During the Lamu refinery groundbreaking on 30 September, President William Ruto told Dangote Group chief Aliko Dangote to deliver the project within 40 months or face scrutiny from Kenyan citizens.

Ruto emphasized that Kenyans closely monitor project timelines, noting that they “take me to task” whenever a time frame is set.

He reassured Dangote that the government will provide a transparent business environment free from extortion, contrasting it with the entrepreneur’s earlier experience trying to establish a cement plant in Kenya.

Ruto warned that no officials would be granted undue benefits or blackmail the system, positioning the state as a guarantor of policy certainty, coordination, infrastructure and regulation.

He described the Lamu refinery as a government‑enabled, private‑sector‑driven venture, with private firms supplying capital, technical expertise and commercial management.

Ruto invited financially capable Kenyans to invest by purchasing shares in the refinery, suggesting they would later thank him for the opportunity.

Dangote, who has faced a court order halting construction of the Ksh2 trillion project, said he remains unfazed and ready to confront any party attempting to obstruct the refinery.

He reiterated his resolve, stating that anyone seeking to cause trouble will be met with firm resistance.