Kenyan Presidential Hopeful Threatens To Send Dangote Back To Nigeria Over $16bn Refinery Project

Kenyan presidential hopeful Patrick Osoi has opposed Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s proposed $16 billion oil refinery project in Kenya, insisting that local investors possess the financial resources and expertise needed to undertake the development.

Osoi made his position known while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event, where he argued that Kenya should prioritise domestic businesses rather than depend on foreign investors for major industrial projects.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the presidential aspirant urged Dangote to delay the refinery project, declaring that he would favour Kenyan entrepreneurs if he wins the country’s 2027 presidential election.

Addressing the Nigerian industrialist directly, Osoi said, “I want to tell Aliko Dangote, please don’t rush to start the refinery because, when I’m sworn in as President of Kenya next year, you will be heading back to Nigeria.”

He maintained that Kenya had business leaders capable of financing and developing the refinery, stressing that empowering local investors would be a priority under his proposed administration.

“We Kenyans have business people who can start the refinery. We also have business people in this country who can do that job. This is what we stand for,” he added.

Osoi’s comments come amid plans by Dangote to establish a $16 billion oil refinery in Lamu, a coastal region of Kenya. The proposed facility is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

The project is designed to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and other countries across East Africa, while strengthening the region’s refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported fuel.

Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto reportedly launched the project at a groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, 2026. Construction is expected to take approximately 40 months to complete.

If delivered as planned, the refinery would become a significant addition to Africa’s petroleum processing industry, with the potential to improve regional fuel supplies and support economic activity.

However, Osoi’s remarks have introduced a political dimension to the proposed investment, raising questions about how his stated preference for local investors could affect the project if he assumes office.

His position contrasts with the broader ambition of attracting major industrial investments to Kenya, although the eventual direction of the project would depend on the country’s policies, investment arrangements and decisions by the relevant stakeholders.