A Kenyan court has temporarily ordered parties involved in the proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu to maintain the status quo on disputed land, creating a legal hurdle for the Sh2 trillion project ahead of its planned groundbreaking on September 30, 2026.
The case was filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who are challenging the development of the refinery on land they say their families have occupied, farmed and used for generations. They claim the land includes homes, farms, religious sites and family graves, and argue that affected residents have not been adequately recognised or compensated.
Justice Jane Onyango of the Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered that the existing situation on Land Reference No. 13061 in the Manda Magogoni area be maintained until the matter comes before the court again on October 14, 2026. The court did not, however, grant the applicants’ request to formally stop the planned groundbreaking.
The residents have raised several concerns, including alleged failures in the compulsory acquisition process, compensation, public participation and environmental procedures. These are allegations contained in the court proceedings and remain subject to determination by the court.
The proposed refinery is expected to have a processing capacity of up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The project is being positioned as a major industrial and energy investment linked to Lamu’s wider development as a regional logistics and energy hub.
The court dispute comes as preparations for the September 30 groundbreaking continue. Heavy equipment has reportedly already arrived at Lamu Port for the project.
The next significant legal development is expected on October 14, when the parties will appear before the court and the residents’ application will be considered further.
Read more: Dangote-Backed Lamu Refinery Set for Groundbreaking Next Week
