Matiang’i presses Kenya to disclose terms of Sh2 trillion Dangote refinery

A Sh2 trillion refinery project has become a focus of Fred Matiang’i’s demand for greater openness over Kenya’s investment agreements. Speaking in Mombasa, the Jubilee Party leader called on the government to disclose its deal with Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, according to Nation Africa Kenya (direct). He also sought more consultation over proposed mining rights at Mrima Hill in Kwale.

Matiang’i began his Coast tour on Monday, two days after President William Ruto completed an eight-day development tour of the region. The former Interior Cabinet Secretary criticised Ruto for leaving questions about the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project unanswered. Ruto launched the Lamu project alongside four heads of state on September 30, the outlet reported.

Investment terms under scrutiny

Matiang’i said Kenyans were entitled to understand the terms of major projects undertaken in their country. His demand centred on what the government had agreed with Dangote and how that agreement had been reached. He argued that questions about public decisions deserved answers rather than insults, while saying Jubilee would continue to respect the Constitution and state offices.

Matiang’i’s position: If confidentiality limits public disclosure, elected parliamentary committees should still be given access to investment agreements.

He proposed Parliament as an alternative route for scrutiny when there were legitimate reasons to withhold some details from the public. Under that approach, the government would brief relevant departmental committees and work with elected representatives on any confidentiality requirements. Those representatives could then explain the matter to the public. He presented this as a way to combine accountability with the handling of sensitive information.

The same principle should govern mining concessions—agreements granting rights to develop mineral resources—Matiang’i said. He pointed to the proposed concessioning of Mrima Hill, arguing that local leaders and residents needed greater involvement. He said that, as president, he would bring together the Kwale governor and county assembly to discuss the issue and make clear to Kenyans what was happening.

Coalition talks remain a hurdle

The investment demands came as Matiang’i acknowledged the difficulty of building a united opposition against Ruto before the 2027 General Election. Parties and presidential hopefuls are still discussing how to choose a single presidential candidate and running mate. Matiang’i said the result would be announced once those talks were complete, stressing that every party and contender needed to be treated with respect.

His remarks followed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s unveiling of The Equitable Party as his vehicle for a 2027 presidential bid. Matiang’i described coalition-building as a difficult process of reconciling different platforms, ambitions and personalities. At the Mombasa meeting, Kadu Asili leader Mudzo Nzili said his party would work with Jubilee and named Matiang’i as its preferred presidential candidate.

For Coast residents, Matiang’i promised jobs, different management of regional resources and development of the blue economy—economic activity linked to the sea. He also pledged to build on projects from former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. The next developments to watch are the outcome of the opposition’s candidate talks and whether the investment disclosures and local consultations Matiang’i is seeking follow.