Patrick Osoi has urged Aliko Dangote to delay his planned refinery project in Kenya. The Kenyan presidential candidate believes local investors can build their own refinery without depending on the Nigerian billionaire.
Osoi made the remarks while addressing supporters at a Lions Movement event. He argued that Kenya has business people with the capacity to establish a refinery.
His comments come as Dangote plans to build a $16 billion refinery in Lamu, Kenya. The proposed facility will process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
Patrick Osoi’s call to Dangote comes weeks after Dangote and Kenyan President William Ruto performed the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, 2026. Reports indicate that construction could take about 40 months to complete.
Osoi’s position highlights the debate over local investment and foreign involvement in Kenya’s petroleum industry. He believes local businesses can play a major role in developing the sector.
However, building a refinery requires huge financial investment, advanced technology and skilled workers. The project also needs reliable infrastructure and a steady supply of crude oil.
Kenya must weigh the benefits of foreign investment against its goal of building local industrial capacity. A refinery could also influence the country’s energy security and petroleum supply.
Osoi’s remarks have sparked further discussion about the role of foreign investors in Africa’s strategic industries. The debate centres on whether countries should rely on foreign expertise or prioritise local businesses for major industrial projects.
