Abdullahi Lupesia Opposes Plans for Oil Refinery in Tanzania’s Tanga

He believes the project should instead be developed in Mombasa, Kenya, to better serve national interests. Lupesia argues that locating the facility on Kenyan soil would create more direct benefits for the country, especially as Kenya prepares to handle its own crude oil production from the Turkana region.

The proposal for a joint regional refinery in Tanga has been discussed by leaders from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and other East African nations. The idea aims to process crude oil from various sources in the region, including fields in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Supporters say the location in Tanga takes advantage of existing pipeline routes and port facilities. However, Lupesia and others feel Kenya should prioritize building such infrastructure domestically to boost local jobs and economic growth.

Lupesia’s position highlights the importance of refining Turkana oil within Kenya. With commercial production from Turkana expected to ramp up, having a refinery in Mombasa would allow easier transportation and processing of this resource. It could reduce reliance on imports, create employment opportunities along the coast, and strengthen Kenya’s position in the regional energy sector. He sees the move to Tanzania as a missed chance for Kenya to gain maximum value from its natural resources.

This debate comes amid broader discussions on regional cooperation in East Africa’s energy sector. While joint projects can bring shared benefits, voices like Lupesia’s emphasize the need to protect Kenya’s strategic advantages. As talks continue between the partner states, the final location and structure of the refinery will likely depend on negotiations that balance national priorities with collective regional goals. Many observers will be watching closely to see how these plans develop in the coming months.