Editor's Review

Ruto assured Dangote of a transparent, extortion-free business environment in the country.

President William Ruto told Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote to deliver on his promise to open the Lamu Refinery in 40 months, or face Kenyans.

Speaking during the groundbreaking on Wednesday, September 30, Ruto told Dangote that Kenyans always keep tabs on project timelines.

"Kenyans are very good at keeping data. I want to warn you; they normally take me to task every time I give them a time frame. You are in good company because the people in Kenya know what time frames mean," Ruto stated.

Ruto assured Dangote of a transparent business environment free from extortion, unlike the experience he had when he tried to set up a cement factory in the country.

"I know you have had a different experience in Kenya, but I want to assure you that nobody is going to extort anything. Nobody will be given anything from you because they have blackmailed the system," he stated

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A file photo of Aliko Dangote with President William Ruto.

He labelled the politicians opposed to the Dangote Refinery as extortionists, and reminded them that the billionaire businessman would not shy away from dealing with them in court.

The Head of State invited Kenyans who have the financial muscle to invest in the refinery by buying shares, stating that they would 'thank him later'.

The President said that the Lamu Oil Refinery is a government-enabled, private sector-driven project. He said that the government's role is to provide policy certainty, coordination, infrastructure and regulation, which are conditions that make investments possible.

Ruto explained that private enterprises mobilise capital and technical expertise, and carry the commercial responsibility of management.

Earlier, Dangote has remained unfazed by the court order issued to stop the construction of the Ksh2 trillion oil refinery in Lamu.

He revealed that he has faced similar challenges before when setting up industries in other countries, and stated that he is ready to face anyone who wants to cause trouble.

"Anybody who wants to cause trouble, we are ready for them. We know the people who are doing all these things, and we will face them," he stated.