Patrick Osoi Challenges Dangote's $16bn Refinery in Kenya

Kenyan presidential candidate Patrick Osoi has publicly opposed Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote's proposed $16 billion oil refinery project in Kenya. Speaking at a Lions Movement event, Osoi argued that local investors possess the financial capacity and expertise to undertake the refinery development if he is elected president in the 2027 election.

He urged Dangote to postpone the project, stating, “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.” Osoi emphasized that Kenyan entrepreneurs are capable of managing the refinery project. The proposed facility, which is set to be located in Lamu, is expected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily and aims to supply petroleum products to Kenya and other East African countries.

The project was officially launched by Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto on September 30, 2026, with construction anticipated to take around 40 months.