President William Ruto speaking at State House Mombasa on October 1, 2026/ SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto has said the Lamu refinery project is being developed on government-owned land, saying no residents will be removed from the main site to pave the way for the investment.

Ruto said the government has already secured about 10,000 acres and is seeking an additional 3,000 acres for the refinery and a planned special economic zone.

Speaking at State House Mombasa, the President said the land where the refinery is being developed belongs to the government.

“Lamu refinery, there are no wananchi that we are going to remove from that place. The land that is there is government land,” Ruto said.

He said where residents may be found on any sections affected by the wider development, the government would handle the matter through its own processes rather than leaving the responsibility to the investor.

“And if there are wananchi who will be anywhere there, we will use the government process to handle that. The government of Kenya will take care of it. Not the investor,” he said.

Ruto's remarks come a day after he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lamu refinery project, which is being advanced as part of wider plans to establish an industrial hub in the coastal region.

He said the additional land being sought would accommodate a special economic zone alongside the refinery, creating space for factories and other businesses.

The President said the government would also offer incentives to attract investors, arguing that Kenya needed to make it easier for companies to establish and expand businesses.

He cited Dangote's previous attempt to establish a cement plant in Kitui, saying the Nigerian businessman had encountered difficulties while pursuing the investment.

Ruto said Dangote had approached him when he was Deputy President seeking assistance, after which he took up the matter with the then President.

The President said Kenya should learn from such experiences by creating an environment that attracts rather than discourages investment.

He said the Lamu development would create opportunities for employment, trade and industrial activity while contributing to the country's economy.

Ruto said the government would remain responsible for addressing any land issues involving residents affected by the wider development.