Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Tuesday, Owino said KPA had previously paid Sh1.4 billion through the National Land Commission (NLC) to compensate about 90 families who occupied the area before the development of the LAPSSET project.
The economist also raised concerns over the speed of the investment process and the absence, in his view, of sufficient public information on the project's economic projections
The refinery is being developed at a time when Kenya remains heavily dependent on imported petroleum products. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that petroleum-product imports increased by 12.2% to 5.5 million tonnes in 2025, while domestic demand rose by 9.9% to 5.7 million tonnes. The country's petroleum import bill stood at Sh528.8 billion during the year
The refinery is designed to handle up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil each day and is expected to be completed in 2030.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Mokowe, Lamu County, on Wednesday, Ruto said investors should be regarded as development partners and warned those he accused of using disputes and court cases to seek private negotiations with investors
The facility will be built on land within the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor and is planned to process crude from Kenya's Lokichar fields, other African producers and international sources. Its location next to Lamu Port is intended to allow the movement of crude and petroleum products by sea while supporting a wider logistics and industrial hub
Speaking on Radio Generation on Wednesday, Njiru said residents affected by the refinery and the wider Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor projects must be involved in decisions concerning their land and livelihoods, arguing that communities hosting major investments should also have a share in the benefits.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Oburu described the investment as “a powerful catalyst towards National industrialization” and said it could “permanently rewrite the economic destiny of Lamu County and the entire coastal region”.
The Nigerian billionaire said the refinery idea took shape during a meeting with President William Ruto in Nairobi. The two were initially discussing fertiliser supplies before the conversation turned to the possibility of investing in a refinery.
MV Da Yang docked at the port on Saturday carrying 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy construction machinery to be used in the development of the Sh2.2 trillion refinery.
The ongoing operation has brought together Kenya Red Cross aqua divers, Beach Management Units, and local fishing boats familiar with the channel, all working jointly to scan the waters in a continuous effort to locate the missing persons.
The agreements were signed by President William Ruto and his Kazakhstan counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following bilateral talks focused on expanding economic and strategic ties between the two nations.