Ship arrives in Kenya with cargo for Dangote refinery — Nation Kenya

The MV Da Yang Bai He berthed at the Port of Lamu in Kenya on 26 September with equipment and materials for the construction of the Dangote East African refinery. The vessel arrived from China carrying 2,930.295 tonnes of project cargo, Nation Kenya reports.

The ship berthed at the port's third berth in Kililani, in the western part of Lamu County. Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto said receiving the first vessel for the project demonstrated the port's capacity to handle large vessels and industrial cargo.

Project ceremony on 30 September

The official project ceremony is scheduled for 30 September 2026. According to the publication, Kenya's President William Ruto, 14 heads of state and Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote are expected to take part.

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Once fully operational, the facility, with a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, is expected to supply petroleum products to eight neighbouring countries. The publication names Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo among them.

Expectations for the Port of Lamu

Lamu Port General Manager Captain Abdulaziz Mzi said the refinery's operation could increase calls by tankers and cargo vessels, as well as port revenues. According to him, large-capacity tankers could arrive in Lamu to unload crude oil and load refined products.

The project is estimated at 2.2 trillion Kenyan shillings. It is projected to create 60,000 local jobs during construction and operation. Captain William Ruto also said that roads are under construction in the directions of Garissa, Moyale and northern Kenya, while the Kenya Ports Authority plans to establish a dry port in Moyale.