Dangote deal must be placed under the microscope

Billionaire Aliko Dangote (left) with President William Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony for Lamu refinery /PCSThe Dangote refinery project is arguably the biggest business story in Kenya and East Africa this year. Its scale alone is remarkable.

But its significance goes beyond oil and investment and is a powerful demonstration that Africans can conceive, finance and execute projects capable of transforming the continent.

That should inspire Kenya. For too long, Africa has generated enormous wealth only to see much of its capital exported and stashed in Western capitals. Dangote’s example challenges that mindset.

Kenya should therefore welcome investments that strengthen energy security, create jobs, expand regional trade and accelerate economic growth.

But admiration for the project must not become a licence to silence demands for scrutiny.

What exactly has Kenya agreed to? What has it committed? What benefits will accrue to Kenyans? What risks has the country assumed? And does the public interest receive a fair return? These questions need answers.

Kenyans are entitled to answers, particularly where public institutions, strategic infrastructure, taxation or national resources are implicated. Demanding to see the contract is not opposition to investment but responsible citizenship.

Those entrusted with public resources should know that transparency is not an inconvenience. It is the price of public trust.

The Dangote project deserves applause but must be open to scrutiny.

The country spends billions of shillings annually on Heavy Fuel Oil, with about 300 million litres imported annually.