LAMU, Kenya- Dangote Group says Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for its planned oil refinery in Lamu will proceed despite a court order over disputed land, although some activities at the site could be affected.
“The court has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony of the refinery at this stage,” the company said in a statement reported by Reuters on Tuesday.
The group acknowledged that the ruling places restrictions on site activities pending a hearing on October 14.
Court orders status quo maintained
The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued the interim order on September 25 following an application by 133 residents of Chandavai challenging the use of land they describe as their ancestral property.
Justice Jane Onyango directed that the existing situation on Land Reference No. 13061 in Manda Magogoni be maintained until the application is heard.
The judge declined to certify the application as urgent and directed respondents to file their responses within 14 days of service.
The order does not expressly cancel the September 30 ceremony.
However, the residents’ lawyer has interpreted it as preventing construction from starting before the hearing. The land dispute remains unresolved.
Residents seek compensation
The applicants say their families have lived and farmed on the disputed land for generations without receiving adequate compensation or a clear resettlement plan.
They say the property contains homes, mosques, shrines and family graves, alongside land used for cultivation and livestock keeping.
The National Land Commission, LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, Lamu County Government and Dangote Industries are among the respondents named in the proceedings.
The dispute also prompted demonstrations in Lamu on Tuesday, with residents demanding compensation and greater involvement in decisions affecting the project.
Kenyans.co.ke reported that police used tear gas to disperse protesters.
Ruto expected to lead ceremony
President William Ruto is expected to lead the groundbreaking for the East Africa Refinery, which is planned to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day.
The government has presented the investment, estimated at Sh2.2 trillion, as a major industrial project intended to serve Kenya and neighbouring countries.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said preparations included security, logistics and arrangements for visiting heads of state and government. He said the refinery could create employment and reduce pressure on foreign exchange by expanding local petroleum processing.
These remain projected benefits.
Preparations have already brought machinery into Lamu. The vessel MV Da Yang delivered 2,930 metric tonnes of equipment and project cargo to the port on September 26, ahead of the scheduled ceremony.
