Kenyan court halts Dangote Refinery construction in Lamu
A Kenyan court has ordered that work on the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu County be suspended pending further proceedings in a case brought by local residents and farmers.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued the order after residents of Chandavai in Lamu County challenged the project, alleging forced evictions and the destruction of their properties.
According to Bloomberg, Judge Jane Onyango directed that the existing situation at the site be maintained until the matter is heard further. The order, issued on September 25 and made public on Monday, requires both sides to maintain the status quo, with the court scheduled to give further directions on October 14.
Lawyer for the petitioners, George Wakahiu, told Bloomberg that the ruling effectively prevents construction activities at the proposed refinery site until the October 14 hearing.
The petitioners claim that the project has resulted in the forced removal of residents from their lands and the destruction of property, while no resettlement plan has been provided.
They also argue that Dangote and the Kenyan authorities have not complied with environmental regulations requiring a mandatory environmental impact assessment before major projects are undertaken.
Court documents further allege that the project does not meet constitutional requirements for public participation.
However, Dangote Group said the court had not specifically halted the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery.
In a statement reported by Reuters, the company said activities at the site could nevertheless be affected by the court’s directive, as both parties have been instructed not to undertake activities there until the case is heard on October 14.
The proposed refinery is part of Kenya’s plans to expand its petroleum infrastructure. President William Ruto has said his administration is expediting the necessary administrative processes for the project.
Ruto made the remarks during a visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lekki, Lagos, ahead of the planned September 30 groundbreaking ceremony for the 700,000-barrel-per-day facility in Lamu.
The Kenyan President said land had already been secured and that his government was addressing other requirements to minimise bureaucratic delays.
He described the proposed refinery as a regional investment that could boost industrial activity in East Africa, create jobs and enhance technical skills across the region.
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