RUTO TAKES SH2.2 TRILLION REFINERY, AI AND AFRICA-FINANCING AGENDA TO UNGA

President William Ruto has arrived in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where Kenya is seeking to attract investment while advancing its agenda on artificial intelligence, infrastructure financing and Africa-led development. 

A major focus of the President's engagements is the proposed Sh2.2 trillion ($17 billion) East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The 700,000-barrel-per-day facility is being proposed as a major regional energy project and is expected by the government to create more than 60,000 jobs. State House says the project is scheduled to break ground on September 30, 2026. 

The refinery proposal is linked to Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, whose company has identified Lamu as the preferred site. Earlier reports said soil testing, engineering and design work had begun, although the refinery remains a proposed project rather than an operational facility. 

Ruto is also expected to use the UNGA platform to push for an “Africa-financing-Africa” approach. The proposal seeks to mobilise more of the continent's domestic savings and assets to finance infrastructure and businesses, while calling for reforms and international guarantees to reduce investment risks.

The Kenyan government says Africa has more than $4 trillion in long-term domestic savings and assets, much of which remains underutilised for development projects. Ruto is also expected to highlight Kenya's proposed National Infrastructure Fund, which the government says could mobilise up to $40 billion without increasing public debt. 


Artificial intelligence will form another major part of Kenya's agenda in New York.
Ruto and Finnish President Alexander Stubb are expected to co-lead the AI Middle Powers Initiative, which seeks to enable countries to combine computing resources, data and talent to strengthen their AI capabilities.

Kenya will also advance the AI $10 Billion Initiative, backed by the African Development Bank, which aims to mobilise up to $10 billion by 2035 for AI investments across Africa. The initiative seeks to position African countries not only as consumers of AI technology but also as developers and producers across the AI value chain. 

Beyond AI and energy, Ruto's engagements will cover infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture and technology. He is also scheduled to participate in business roundtables hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation and Global Africa Business Initiative, alongside Dangote, as Kenya seeks partnerships and capital for major projects. 

The President's UNGA programme comes as Kenya seeks a stronger African voice in global financial institutions and greater access to capital for development. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei said Kenya will also use the UN meeting to advance discussions on debt, climate finance, digital governance and reforms to global institutions. 

Ruto's New York visit therefore combines Kenya's investment push with wider proposals on African financing and technology, with the government seeking international partnerships to support large-scale projects and expand economic opportunities.