On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, residents of Lamu, Kenya, staged protests against the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery, a multibillion-shilling project. The demonstrations occurred as preparations for the project intensified, with President William Ruto and Dangote Group founder Aliko Dangote expected to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Police were deployed during the protests, and reports indicated that tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators.
The protests followed concerns raised by affected residents over land earmarked for the refinery. Over 130 residents have moved to the Malindi Environment and Land Court, challenging activities on part of the disputed parcel. They claim their families have occupied, cultivated, and developed the land for generations and want their interests recognized before the project proceeds.
Residents are demanding that their concerns over land and compensation be addressed. One resident stated that the community wants the government to provide clarity on the way forward. The protests came a day after affected residents called on the government to compensate families whose land and livelihoods could be affected by the refinery project.
Residents expressed support for the investment and the opportunities it could bring to Lamu but insisted that development should not come at the expense of communities that depend on the land for farming and livestock keeping. One resident emphasized that the community wants to establish quarantine facilities, hay farming, feedlots, and livestock marketing infrastructure through the LAPSSET Livestock Marketing Cooperative Society.
Farmers also raised concerns about previous development projects, stating that they had repeatedly borne the effects without receiving promised benefits or compensation. One farmer said residents had accepted previous projects but were now being left without what they considered their rightful compensation.
The residents maintained that they are not opposed to the Dangote refinery but want affected families to be compensated and their land rights protected before the project proceeds. One resident described the refinery as a potentially transformative investment for Lamu while insisting that local communities should not be left worse off by its development.
The Dangote East Africa Refinery project has sparked tensions between residents and the government, with residents seeking a fair resolution to their concerns. The project's groundbreaking ceremony is set to proceed as planned, with President Ruto and Aliko Dangote expected to attend. The project's impact on the local community and the economy remains to be seen.
Key points
- The protests were sparked by concerns over land and compensation for residents affected by the Dangote East Africa Refinery project.
- Over 130 residents have moved to court to challenge activities on part of the disputed land parcel.
- The project's groundbreaking ceremony is set to proceed as planned, despite the protests.
