Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has rejected attempts to halt the proposed Sh2.2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery, citing its importance to the county's economic future and potential to create jobs and business opportunities for thousands of young people. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Lamu on September 30, 2026, Timamy criticized those who had gone to court seeking to stop the development, accusing them of acting against the interests of local residents.
Timamy questioned why anyone would seek to block an investment that he said would create opportunities for young people in the county. "How do you want to stop a project that will give opportunities to thousands of our young people?" he asked. The governor emphasized that the Lamu County Government supported the investment and would work alongside the national government, the investor, and local communities to ensure the project moves forward responsibly.
The governor urged the investor and contractors to give residents first priority when hiring workers, saying local communities should benefit directly from the opportunities expected to come with the refinery. He also called on young people to gain skills that could help them secure jobs linked to the project, while asking local businesses to prepare themselves for increased economic activity.
Timamy said Lamu residents expected the industrial development to be matched by improvements in public services, including better roads, water services, healthcare, housing, and vocational training to support communities living around the planned industrial centre. "A growing industrial center needs strong public services, and the communities around it must grow with it," he said.
Despite Timamy's remarks, 133 Chandavai residents are pursuing a court case challenging development on land they claim their families have occupied and cultivated for generations. The residents have raised concerns over occupation of the land, property rights, and compensation, and asked the court to stop the planned groundbreaking and other activities linked to the refinery on the disputed property.
The Malindi Environment and Land Court has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo on LR No. 13061 in the Hindi/Manda Magogoni area until October 14, when the case is scheduled to be heard. Despite the legal challenge, President William Ruto and Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote have both stated that the refinery project would proceed, with Ruto accusing opponents of seeking to undermine the investment and Dangote describing legal challenges as "normal for us in Africa".
The planned facility is expected to have a capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day and serve Kenya as well as other markets in East Africa. Construction of the refinery is targeted for completion by 2030.
Key points
- The Dangote East Africa Refinery is expected to create thousands of jobs and business opportunities for local residents.
- The project has faced opposition from some residents, who have raised concerns over land occupation and compensation.
- Despite the legal challenges, the project is expected to proceed, with President William Ruto and Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote expressing their commitment to the investment.
