The Malindi
Environment and Land Court refused to stop the September 30 groundbreaking for
a KSh2 trillion oil refinery backed by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote,
despite objections from 133 Lamu residents claiming ancestral land rights.
The project near Lamu Port aims to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily, create 60,000 jobs, and boost Kenya's economy by cutting fuel imports and powering the region. The court ordered the status quo on the disputed plot until an October 14 hearing, letting the ceremony proceed while residents demand fair consultation and compensation.