Kenya's Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has addressed the ongoing land dispute surrounding the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu. The government has allocated approximately 7,000 acres for the mega-refinery project, with an additional state-owned parcel exceeding 2,000 acres. Wahome stated that while residents occupy parts of the area, their presence does not automatically classify the property as private land.
The land dispute involves multiple categories of occupants, including long-term squatters who have lived on and farmed the parcels for 50 to 60 years across generations. This generational occupation makes establishing legitimate ownership complex. Wahome acknowledged that the government is dealing with different categories of people in the area, including genuine squatters who may have occupied particular pieces of land for decades.
Local residents have filed court challenges, arguing that portions of the earmarked site constitute ancestral land and expressing deep concerns over displacement and lack of fair compensation. Wahome reassured the public that the government maintains comprehensive records of original landowners and individuals holding legitimate claims. She alleged that some litigants had been "planted by enemies of development" to delay progress.
Wahome affirmed that genuine cases will receive full government assistance. The multi-billion-shilling refinery involves extensive land acquisition, resettlement logistics, and public engagement, with multiple government agencies actively coordinating the process. The Attorney General's office is directly handling the legal proceedings.
Ministry officials are working through administrative channels to resolve all valid claims. The government is managing the resettlement of affected residents, with a focus on providing fair compensation and alternative housing. The Dangote refinery project is expected to have a significant impact on Kenya's economy.
The project is being developed by Dangote Group, a Nigerian conglomerate. The refinery will have a significant impact on Kenya's energy sector, with plans to produce petroleum products for both local consumption and export. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth.
The government has urged residents to cooperate with the land acquisition process, assuring them of fair treatment and compensation. The Lands Ministry will continue to work with other government agencies to resolve the land dispute and ensure the successful completion of the Dangote refinery project.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has clarified that the majority of the land allocated for the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu belongs to the state.
- The land dispute involves multiple categories of occupants, including long-term squatters who have lived on and farmed the parcels for 50 to 60 years.
- The government has reassured residents that genuine cases will receive full assistance and fair compensation.
