Dangote Industries Limited has announced plans to build a 700,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Kenya as part of its drive to expand refining operations across Africa and strengthen fuel supply in East Africa.

The proposed project was disclosed by the company’s Group Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, during a visit by officials from the Republic of the Congo’s national oil company to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

According to the company, the Kenyan refinery will raise Dangote’s total refining capacity to about 2.1 million barrels per day. Of that figure, 1.4 million barrels will come from its Nigerian operations, while the remaining 700,000 barrels will be processed in Kenya to meet growing demand in East Africa.

The refinery is expected to supply petroleum products to several countries in the region, helping reduce dependence on imported refined fuel and improving energy security.

The project follows earlier comments by Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote about plans to establish another major refinery in East Africa. While the company initially considered Tanzania’s Tanga Port, attention later shifted to Kenya, with Mombasa and Lamu identified as possible locations due to their port infrastructure and commercial advantages.

A final decision on the refinery’s location has not yet been announced.

Kenyan President William Ruto has said governments within the region are expected to participate in the project, with Kenya setting aside KSh21.5 billion as seed funding. The refinery is projected to cost about KSh2.5 trillion and is expected to serve markets including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan and other neighbouring countries.

Construction is expected to begin later in 2026. The announcement also comes as Kenya prepares to commence commercial oil production from the South Lokichar Basin before the end of the year.