President William Ruto affirmed on Tuesday that the Ksh2 trillion East Africa Refinery in Lamu will commence construction as planned on Wednesday, despite legal challenges from local residents. The ceremony, to be held at Lamu Port, will include regional leaders and dignitaries. Ruto emphasized the project’s economic significance, stating it would
The refinery, supported by the Dangote Group, faces opposition from 133 Chandavai residents who filed a case in the Malindi Environment and Land Court to halt activities, citing ancestral land claims and unresolved compensation issues. The court denied their request, ordering parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed land parcel LR No. 13061 until an inter partes hearing on October 14. Ruto accused critics of undermining investment through legal and public campaigns, referencing past disputes that stalled projects like Aliko Dangote’s proposed Kenyan cement plant and a Ugandan oil pipeline redirected to Tanzania.
Government officials highlight the refinery’s potential to boost Kenya’s industrialization and regional trade, with Ruto citing 60,000 job opportunities. The project, designed to supply refined petroleum to East Africa, has drawn scrutiny over environmental and land rights concerns. Local residents argue their ancestral land rights must be addressed before construction begins, while the government maintains the project aligns with national development goals.
The ongoing legal battle underscores tensions between large-scale infrastructure projects and community interests. While Ruto reiterated his commitment to the refinery, the Malindi court’s decision to delay a final ruling highlights the complexity of balancing economic ambitions with local grievances. The project’s fate will hinge on the October 14 hearing and broader negotiations between stakeholders.