Malindi Court Declines To Halt Launch Of Dangote Refinery Construction In Lamu

Kenya’s Malindi Environment and Land Court has declined to issue orders stopping the launch of the planned KSh2 trillion Dangote Oil Refinery in Lamu.

The court, however, ordered the parties to maintain the status quo on the disputed parcel of land in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area until October 14, 2026, when the case will be heard again.

The case was filed by 133 residents of Chandavai, who claim the land is their ancestral heritage and that their families have lived and farmed in the area for generations.

The residents said they do not oppose development but want their land rights recognised before the refinery project proceeds.

The court directed the government and other respondents in the case to file their responses within 14 days ahead of the next hearing scheduled for October 14.

The project’s groundbreaking ceremony is expected to proceed as planned on Wednesday, September 30, although the status quo order means activities at the disputed site could be affected pending the court hearing.

The ruling therefore does not halt the planned groundbreaking ceremony at this stage, but requires both parties to refrain from altering the existing situation on the disputed land until the matter is heard.

Boluwatife Enome