Construction of the long awaited East Africa Refinery in Lamu is set to begin next Wednesday, marking a major step in the Government’s plan to establish Kenya as a regional petrochemical and energy logistics hub.
President William Ruto is expected to lead the groundbreaking ceremony, which will bring together Heads of State and Government from East Africa and other invited dignitaries.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the project would have far-reaching economic implications for Lamu, the Coast region and the wider country, with the refinery expected to create more than 50,000 jobs.
Prof Kindiki spoke on Tuesday at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi, where he chaired a final preparatory meeting ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The refinery will position Kenya and East Africa as a key petro chemical industrial hub and a competitive energy logistics centre,” Prof Kindiki said.
He described the project as a landmark investment that would unlock the economic potential of Lamu and the Coast region while supporting Kenya’s industrialisation agenda.
The refinery is expected to add momentum to the development of Lamu as a strategic energy and logistics centre, complementing other investments around the coastal region.
For Lamu residents, the project is expected to generate employment and business opportunities while opening up demand for services and supplies associated with a large scale industrial facility.
The Government has increasingly positioned infrastructure and energy investments as key drivers of industrialisation, with the Coast region expected to play a strategic role because of its access to the Indian Ocean and regional markets.
The refinery project is also expected to strengthen Kenya’s position in the regional energy value chain and create opportunities for downstream industries linked to petroleum and petrochemical products.
The groundbreaking will therefore be closely watched as an indication of the Government’s commitment to turning Lamu into a major industrial and logistics centre.
Prof Kindiki said the Government would continue coordinating relevant agencies to ensure preparations for the historic event were completed.
Meanwhile, the Government has stepped up preparations for the expected El Niño rains, with Prof Kindiki warning the public to remain alert but avoid panic.
The Deputy President said the onset of rains was becoming evident and directed Government ministries, departments and agencies to remain fully engaged throughout the rainy season.
“The signs are clear, the rains have started,” Prof Kindiki said.
He said the Government was implementing a coordinated preparedness and response plan to minimise the impact of potentially adverse weather across the country.
Prof Kindiki held consultations with heads of relevant ministries, departments and agencies and received updates on the state of preparedness.
He directed the agencies to remain seized of the situation throughout the season and strengthen coordination in responding to emergencies.
The national Government is also expected to work closely with county governments, development partners and humanitarian organisations in preparing for and responding to the effects of heavy rains.
The coordination will focus on mitigating risks associated with flooding, destruction of infrastructure, displacement of families and disruption of essential services.
Prof Kindiki urged members of the public to follow guidance issued by security officers, disaster management personnel and other authorised agencies.
He said Kenyans should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as authorities monitor weather developments across the country.
The Government’s preparedness comes amid increased attention to the potential effects of heavy rains, particularly in areas historically vulnerable to flooding and other rain related disasters.
County governments and national Government agencies have consequently been encouraged to maintain close coordination to ensure early response where emergencies occur.
The Deputy President said the public need not panic, but should remain alert and heed official instructions throughout the rainy season.
