Ruto Reveals Ksh 7.5B for 3,000 Houses to Support Dangote Refinery Workers

Ruto Reveals Ksh 7.5B for 3,000 Houses to Support Dangote Refinery Workers

President William Ruto has announced that the government will allocate KSh7.5 billion to construct 3,000 additional housing units in Lamu County as preparations for the proposed Dangote refinery gather pace.

Ruto said the housing project will help accommodate workers and other people expected to move to Lamu as the KSh2.2 trillion refinery and its supporting industries take shape.

The President made the announcement on Saturday, October 3, during a title deed issuance event in Mokowe, Lamu County.

He said the government was planning the housing investment alongside other infrastructure projects to prepare the county for increased economic activity.

“We are allocating Ksh7.5 billion to build an additional 3,000 housing units to support housing as we develop the refinery in Lamu County. So that those who are coming to live here will have decent dwelling,” Ruto said.

Housing plan linked to refinery project

The proposed housing units are expected to support the growing demand for accommodation as workers arrive in Lamu for the refinery project.

The refinery was officially launched with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, marking the start of preparations for a major petrochemical complex that is expected to transform industrial activity in the county.

Ruto has previously said the project could require about 60,000 Kenyan workers during its construction and operational phases.

Dangote Group has also announced plans to train 1,000 residents of Lamu to prepare them for employment opportunities associated with the refinery and related industries.

The project is expected to create demand for workers in construction, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, marine services and other sectors.

An Indian state-owned engineering company has also secured a KSh58 billion contract to provide project management, engineering, procurement and construction management services for the refinery.

The involvement of local and international companies is expected to increase the number of workers and businesses operating in Lamu as construction progresses.

Dangote refinery expected to boost Lamu

The proposed Dangote refinery is expected to form part of a wider petrochemical complex with a planned processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Once completed, the facility is expected to supply petroleum products to Kenya and other markets across the region.

Dangote Group has also outlined plans to develop an industrial ecosystem around the refinery, potentially creating opportunities in logistics, engineering, manufacturing and marine services.

Construction and related activities are expected to continue for about 40 months, according to government projections.

The large workforce expected to be involved in the project has increased the need for housing and other public infrastructure in Lamu.

The government has therefore linked the refinery investment with wider development projects targeting housing, markets and other social facilities.

More housing projects planned

Ruto also announced additional funding for affordable housing and other facilities in Lamu County.

According to the President, KSh6 billion has been allocated towards affordable housing, markets and hostels.

The projects are expected to complement the 3,000 housing units planned specifically as part of preparations for increased demand linked to the refinery.

The government says the housing investments will help ensure that the expected growth in employment and business activity is matched by adequate accommodation and supporting infrastructure.

The refinery project is consequently being presented as part of a broader development programme for Lamu, with investments expected to extend beyond the energy sector.

As construction preparations continue, attention is expected to focus on employment opportunities for local residents, infrastructure development and the ability of Lamu’s existing services to support the anticipated increase in population and economic activity.

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Ruto Reveals Ksh 7.5B for 3,000 Houses to Support Dangote Refinery Workers