NAIROBI, Kenya – A Kenyan consumer-rights group has filed a fresh petition challenging the government’s proposed participation in billionaire Aliko Dangote’s planned oil refinery in Lamu, adding another legal hurdle to the $16 billion (about Sh2.2 trillion) project.
The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has petitioned the Public Private Partnerships Petition Committee seeking a review of Kenya’s proposed equity stake in the Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Complex.
The petition seeks information on the proposed public investment, use of public land and government support arrangements linked to the project.
COFEK is also seeking access to documents relating to the project’s approval, procurement process, feasibility studies, financial risk assessments, public participation and agreements that could commit public resources.
The consumer lobby wants the committee to examine how Kenya’s proposed stake in the project will be funded and whether the relevant approvals and processes were followed.
Second Legal Hurdle
The petition comes days after a separate case by Lamu residents over land linked to the refinery.
In that case, 133 residents challenged the development, arguing that they have longstanding interests in the disputed land and should be compensated before the project proceeds.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed parcel, LR No. 13061, pending further proceedings. The matter is scheduled for an inter partes hearing on October 14, 2026.
Refinery Groundbreaking Goes Ahead
The legal challenges emerged as Dangote and the Kenyan government moved ahead with the refinery’s groundbreaking ceremony in Lamu.
The proposed facility is designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and is intended to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and other East African markets.
Despite the earlier land dispute, Dangote said the court order would not stop the planned groundbreaking, although it could affect some activities at the project site.
