Tanzania, July 7 -- Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has announced that his proposed East African oil refinery will be built in Kenya instead of Tanzania, ending speculation over the location of one of the region's most ambitious energy projects.

The refinery is expected to have a processing capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest oil refinery in East Africa and among the biggest on the continent. Once completed, the facility is expected to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring countries, helping to reduce East Africa's reliance on imported fuels while improving regional energy security.

The investment is expected to strengthen Kenya's position as a regional petroleum hub, create...