Dangote Holds Lamu Refinery Groundbreaking Amid Land Case

Dangote Group held the planned groundbreaking ceremony on September 30 for its proposed $15 billion to $16 billion oil refinery in Lamu, Kenya, even as a court order directs parties to maintain the status quo on disputed land until a hearing on October 14. The company said the order had not cancelled the ceremony but could affect other activities at the site; what work may proceed before the hearing remains unclear. The proposed refinery is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day. The project has drawn a lawsuit from 133 residents of Chandavai in Lamu County, who allege that families were forcefully evicted, property was damaged and the land is part of their ancestral heritage. Their petition also raises concerns about environmental requirements and public participation. The allegations have not been resolved in court. The Malindi Environment and Land Court order, dated September 25 and made public on September 28, directs the parties to preserve the existing situation at the site pending further directions scheduled for October 14. Dangote Group said the court action could restrict activities there until the case is heard.