Kenyan Presidential Candidate Advises Nigerian Billionaire Against Kenya Refinery Rush

Kenyan presidential candidate Patrick Osoi cautioned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote not to expedite plans for a refinery in Kenya, asserting his administration would prioritize local business interests. This warning came during a campaign event where Osoi stated that Kenya would possess the capacity to manage its own refinery operations once he assumes the presidency.

Osoi emphasized that Kenya already operates refinery facilities and has capable businesspeople who could manage such projects without foreign investment, urging Dangote to delay refinery establishment until after his presidential inauguration. He specifically noted that by next year’s February, when he will be sworn in as president, Dangote would need to return to Nigeria.

Osoi further stated that supporting Kenyan entrepreneurs and bolstering domestic industries would be a key focus of his administration if elected, aligning with his broader strategy to ensure local capacity for critical infrastructure projects.