“Any Kenyan Who Has an Engineering Degree, Diploma or Whatever, Tell Him He Has a Job” — Dangote

Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote has announced new job and training opportunities for Kenyans as construction of the planned Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu gets underway.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, Dangote said his company would establish a training school in Lamu to prepare local people for opportunities linked to the major project.

He said the programme would train 1,000 people, particularly those with engineering degrees, diplomas and other relevant qualifications.

“Anyone who has an engineering degree, diploma or whatever, tell him he has a job. His job is guaranteed,” Dangote said.

The announcement has placed fresh attention on the opportunities that could come with the Sh2.2 trillion refinery, which is expected to become a major industrial project in the region.

Dangote said the company wants local residents to benefit directly from the investment instead of simply watching the project take shape in their area.

The businessman has also said the refinery could create about 60,000 jobs at the height of construction. These opportunities are expected to extend beyond the refinery itself, with businesses in transport, food, accommodation, engineering and other services also expected to benefit.

The refinery is planned to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day once completed. The project is expected to support a wider industrial ecosystem covering energy, petrochemicals, logistics, engineering, manufacturing and technology.

Dangote said the training programme would help develop a skilled workforce that can take part in the project.

The announcement comes as construction preparations move forward following Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony attended by President William Ruto and other African leaders.

The project has, however, faced a land dispute involving Lamu residents who have raised concerns over compensation and resettlement. A court allowed the groundbreaking to proceed while the dispute continues.

For engineering graduates and diploma holders, the new announcement has put attention on the skills that may be required as the refinery moves from groundbreaking to construction and eventually operations.

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