President William Ruto has announced a Ksh7.5 billion government allocation to construct 3,000 additional housing units in Lamu County as the country prepares for increased economic activity linked to the Dangote refinery project.
Speaking during a title deed issuance ceremony in Mokowe, Lamu, on Saturday, October 3, Ruto said the new homes would accommodate workers and other people expected to move into the area as the refinery project takes shape.
“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,” he said.
The housing investment comes days after the groundbreaking of the proposed Ksh2.2 trillion Dangote refinery and associated facilities, setting the stage for a major expansion of industrial activity in the coastal county.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract businesses involved in construction, logistics, engineering, manufacturing and other services.
Ruto has previously indicated that about 60,000 Kenyans could be required during the construction and operational phases of the refinery.
Dangote Group has also announced plans to train 1,000 residents of Lamu to prepare them for employment opportunities expected to arise from the project.
The refinery project is also expected to bring in workers from outside Kenya. An Indian state-owned engineering company has secured a Ksh58 billion contract to provide project management, engineering, procurement and construction management services for the facility.
The refinery is being developed as part of a wider petrochemical complex and is expected to have the capacity to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, supplying petroleum products to Kenya and other markets across the region.
Beyond the refinery itself, Dangote Group has outlined plans for an industrial ecosystem around the facility, with opportunities expected in logistics, engineering, manufacturing, marine services and other supporting industries.
The development is therefore expected to significantly increase demand for housing and other social infrastructure in Lamu over the next 40 months, as construction and related economic activities gather pace.
Ruto also announced additional government investments targeting housing and social infrastructure across the county.
He said Ksh6 billion had been set aside for affordable housing, markets and hostels as part of efforts to expand facilities available to residents.
The President acknowledged delays in the planned affordable housing project in Faza but assured residents that the project would still be implemented.
In Mpeketoni, Ruto said the government had already awarded a contract for the construction of 900 houses.
He directed Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to move faster on the project to ensure construction begins and the planned housing units are delivered.
The developments come as Lamu prepares for a potentially significant transformation driven by the refinery and other investments, with the government seeking to expand housing and public infrastructure alongside the expected growth in population and employment.
