A Kenyan presidential candidate, Patrick Osoi, has urged Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote not to proceed with plans to build a refinery in Kenya, saying his government would rely on local capacity instead if he wins next year’s election.
Speaking during a campaign event, Osoi said Dangote would have no reason to continue with such an investment because his administration would ensure Kenya meets its refining needs through existing facilities and local investors.
Addressing Dangote directly, he said, “I want to tell Dangote, please don’t hurry up to start the refinery because by next year February, the time I’m sworn in as the president of this country, you’ll be back going to Nigeria.”
Osoi insisted that Kenya already has refinery infrastructure that can handle the country’s needs.
He added, “We have refinery which can do that job. We also have business people in this country who can do that job.”
The presidential hopeful said supporting Kenyan-owned businesses and strengthening local industries would be a major priority of his administration if elected.
According to him, developing local entrepreneurs is key to creating jobs, growing the economy and reducing dependence on foreign investors in strategic sectors.
He further declared, “That is what we stand for. And this is the home of our movement.”
Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman, has invested heavily in the oil and gas sector through the Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, one of the world’s largest single-train refineries. The facility was built to boost domestic fuel production, reduce fuel imports and support energy security.
There has been no official response from Dangote or his company to Osoi’s remarks.