A Kenyan court has ordered that activities on the site of the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu County be halted temporarily, following a land dispute involving local residents.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court directed parties to maintain the prevailing status quo on the disputed land until October 14, when the case is scheduled for further hearing. The petition was filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who claim ancestral rights over the land earmarked for the refinery.
The petitioners alleged that the project could lead to forceful eviction and destruction of their properties. They also raised concerns about resettlement, compensation, environmental assessment and public participation.
However, Dangote Group said the court order would not stop the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery, which is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30. The company said activities at the site could nevertheless be affected while the court order remains in force.
The proposed refinery is expected to have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day and is projected to become one of the largest refineries in East and Central Africa.
Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed support for the project, which the government says could expand industrial activity, create jobs and strengthen technical skills in the region.
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