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Skills that could be in demand following the Lamu refinery groundbreaking
30th September, 2026 01:41 PM
The launch of the new oil refinery at Lamu Port on September 30, 2026, marks a major milestone for Kenya’s energy sector.
Official government estimates project that the Ksh2 trillion facility will create about 60,000 direct and indirect jobs across the Coast region.
As construction and operational setup get underway, young jobseekers have a clear path to position themselves for these roles.
Industry experts and technical instructors point out three major areas where hiring will pick up quickly.
1. Engineers and system design
Running a refinery safely requires qualified engineering experts to design, build, and oversee complex equipment. Process and mechanical engineers will supervise oil refining systems, while electrical engineers manage high-voltage power networks running through the site.
Civil engineers and environmental specialists will also play a key role in maintaining structural integrity and protecting coastal habitats.
Degree and diploma programmes in these fields offer a direct path into technical management roles.
“Before we start our first pile, which will be in the next couple of days, I want to assure you we are coming here to set up a training school that will train 1,000 of your people,” Dangote said during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“Anybody who has an engineering degree or diploma or whatever has a job. His job is guaranteed,” he added.
2. Practical trades and hands-on work
Building and maintaining a large energy facility requires a steady supply of trained technical workers. High-demand jobs include pipe fitting, specialised metal welding, electrical installation, machine repairs, and equipment maintenance.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said in July 2026 that the refinery will need “a new generation of highly specialised welders”. His ministry says it wants young people trained before the roles go to foreign workers.
Dangote’s current adverts for its wider operations include mechanical technicians, fabricators, welders, instrumentation roles, electricians, plumbers and equipment technicians.
Instead of long university degrees, these roles rely mostly on certificate and diploma training.
3. Moving goods and managing stock
Running an oil refinery involves moving raw materials, finished products, and heavy machinery around the clock. The project will create steady demand for workers who know how to manage warehouses, track inventory, operate forklifts, and handle port logistics.
Young people trained in stock control, fleet coordination, and transport safety will play an active role in keeping supply chains moving.
4. Food, accommodation and daily services
With thousands of workers coming to Lamu, basic support services will experience a major surge.
Camps, hotels, and corporate dining services will need trained kitchen staff, food safety inspectors, cleaners, housekeepers, and administrative assistants.
Simple, hands-on qualifications in food production, hotel management, and hygiene can help young locals secure steady employment as these support businesses open up.
How to prepare through local TVETs
Youth can gain these hands-on skills through registered Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, national polytechnics, and vocational centres across the country.
Most courses take between six months and two years, giving young Kenyans a direct route into real work without taking on years of heavy tuition fees.
