Kenya consumer lobby petitions to halt Dangote refinery investment

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has filed a petition with the Public Private Partnerships Petition Committee to halt and scrutinize the government’s proposed participation in the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Complex in Lamu.

COFEK is seeking transparency regarding Kenya’s potential 10 percent stake in the project, which is valued at approximately US$500 million (Ksh65 billion). The petition requests documentation on the project’s approval process, procurement methods, and the specific government agencies authorized to enter the arrangement. Additionally, the consumer lobby is seeking clarity on a reported Ksh21.5 billion seed capital allocation in the 2026/2027 budget, asking whether these funds have been appropriated, committed, or disbursed.

The petition also raises questions about land contributions involving approximately 7,000 acres, as well as potential government liabilities related to offtake arrangements, market protections, or electricity commitments. The multibillion-dollar refinery, led by Dangote Industries Limited, has a projected processing capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and is expected to be completed around 2030.