President William Ruto met with Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote and Africa Finance Corporation leader Samaila Zubairu during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The discussion focused on the planned East Africa Refinery in Lamu, Kenya, with an estimated cost of Ksh2.2 trillion. The meeting took place on September 21, 2026, as part of Ruto’s broader engagement to promote Kenya’s investment and trade interests.
Ruto emphasized that leadership, not resources, will shape Kenya’s future, a message directed to Kenyans ahead of the 2027 presidential election. During the same trip, he also met with Kenyans living in the U.S. Seeking to strengthen diaspora ties and attract foreign capital. The Lamu refinery project remains a key economic priority for Kenya, aiming to boost regional energy infrastructure and economic growth.
The UNGA session also saw Ruto, as African Union chair, advocate for greater African representation in global decision-making. While the refinery plans and diplomatic efforts are separate initiatives, they reflect Ruto’s dual focus on economic development and regional leadership. The Lamu project, however, remains central to Kenya’s long-term economic strategy.
