Young people in Lamu want the government and Dangote Group to guarantee them a bigger share of the jobs expected to come with the proposed refinery in the county.
The residents are calling for at least 70 per cent of the jobs created by the project to be reserved for locals, arguing that the investment should also improve the lives of the community hosting it.
Construction of the proposed refinery and petrochemical complex is expected to begin in September 2026.
The project, which has been linked to an investment of about KSh2.2 trillion, is expected to create thousands of jobs during construction and once the facility becomes operational.
For many young people in Lamu, the prospect of new jobs has raised hopes in a county where finding employment remains a challenge.
“We are not against the refinery. We agree with the refinery taking place because we have no jobs and this opportunity can give us 60,000 positions that will help many youths here,” one of the youths said.
The residents, however, want the government and Dangote Group to go beyond verbal assurances and sign an agreement that would guarantee locals a substantial share of the available opportunities.
Youth want training opportunities
Besides jobs, the people of Lamu are demanding that they are trained to qualify them for the skilled jobs to be created by the project.
The residents demand training ahead of construction so that their youth can access the more lucrative jobs rather than only the casual jobs.
The community members also want to be engaged in deliberations concerning job creation, training, community projects, and other benefits that the refinery is set to deliver to them.
The development has been said to be a significant investment in both Lamu and the broader East Africa region.
The continent’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, is expected to start building the refinery and petrochemical plant in September.
The development project has been put at an estimated KSh2.59 trillion ($20 billion), while the Dangote Group is providing the East African countries with 30 per cent stake in the investment.
According to President William Ruto’s economic adviser, David Ndii, Kenya has been offered a 10 per cent stake in the project worth KSh64.74 billion ($500 million).
Ethiopia and Rwanda have also expressed their interest in participating in the regional stake.
Countries that may not commit to purchasing products from the refinery could still participate through a proposed backstop arrangement, according to previous remarks by Ndii.
Community wants a say
Despite the acceptance of the funding, Lamu residents insist that the project should not be negotiated without engaging the community that will be living near the project.
Residents seek to have a place in the discussions concerning employment and skills training opportunities among other benefits.
According to one parent, Lamu County has had poor governance for many years now, and therefore, the new governors should ensure that the refinery offers employment opportunities to youth in the county.
For the Lamu community, the establishment of the proposed oil refinery is not only about a huge investment. It is also seen by the residents as an attempt to solve the issue of unemployment and increase the participation of youth in economic growth in Lamu.