Ndindi Nyoro Demands Answers Over Dangote’s Sh2.2 Trillion Lamu Refinery Deal

 

By Wasike Elvis 

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has demanded full disclosure of the ownership structure and investment agreements surrounding the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu, questioning how public land, infrastructure and government commitments will feature in the multibillion-shilling project.

Nyoro, who has welcomed foreign direct investment into Kenya, said the government should make public the details of the deal instead of dismissing questions about the project. His remarks come as President William Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote officially broke ground for the planned refinery in Lamu on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

The proposed refinery is valued at about $16 billion (approximately Sh2.2 trillion) and is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day once completed.

Nyoro said his first concern was the identity of shareholders in the Kenyan subsidiary behind the project, asking the government to publish the complete ownership structure of Dangote East African Refinery.

He also wants the government to disclose how much land has been allocated to the project, its valuation and whether the value of the land will be converted into equity or shareholding in the refinery.

The MP further questioned how much money the Kenyan government has committed directly to the project and whether any premium has been included in the investment.

Nyoro also raised questions over existing public infrastructure, particularly the Port of Lamu and other facilities developed by previous governments, asking whether their contribution to the project has been valued and accounted for in the investment arrangement.

Another issue he wants clarified is whether Kenya has entered into any agreement requiring it to purchase refined petroleum products from the refinery, including the prices and terms attached to such arrangements.

He further questioned whether the deal contains a “take-or-pay” clause that could require Kenya to purchase a specified volume of petroleum products regardless of market conditions.

Nyoro also asked whether any agreement could restrict Kenya from importing competing petroleum products if cheaper alternatives become available on the international market.

Of particular concern, he said, is whether any public land, assets or investments could be converted into private shareholding in the refinery for the benefit of government officials, directly or indirectly.

His comments echo concerns he raised earlier in September, when he called for disclosure of the directors and shareholders of the proposed refinery and said investors should be protected while investment agreements remain transparent.

The refinery groundbreaking comes amid an ongoing land dispute involving residents who have challenged ownership of part of the proposed project site. The Environment and Land Court has ordered parties to maintain the status quo over the disputed parcel, although the order did not stop Wednesday's groundbreaking ceremony.

The project is expected to serve petroleum markets across East and Central Africa, with Dangote saying the refinery will help strengthen African energy security and reduce reliance on imported refined fuel.

Nyoro said the questions were intended to give the government an opportunity to provide Kenyans with the details of the investment and demonstrate transparency over one of the country's largest proposed private-sector projects.