Kenyan refinery: We’re ready for trouble makers – Dangote

The Dangote Group has stated that a Kenyan court order in a land dispute will not impede the inauguration of its proposed $16 billion refinery in Lamu, scheduled for Wednesday. The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued an order on September 25, mandating the parties to uphold the current situation on the disputed land until October 14, when the case will be heard.

Despite the order being made public on Monday, Dangote affirmed to reporters that the court's ruling has not halted the groundbreaking ceremony. He emphasized that while activities at the project site might be influenced due to the injunction, his company is prepared to defend its interests through the legal process. Dangote recounted a comparable legal dispute during the inauguration of a factory in Senegal, where the company successfully navigated the matter through the courts up to the Supreme Court.

He remarked, "Anyone who wants to cause trouble, we’re ready for them." The case involves 133 residents of Chandavai, who assert ancestral rights to the land earmarked for the refinery. They are contesting the project over alleged insufficient compensation and resettlement. The residents argue that the land has been inhabited and cultivated by their families for generations, with homes, farms, mosques, shrines, and graves situated on the property.

They seek acknowledgment of their claims in the land acquisition process, coupled with compensation and resettlement. The residents have also petitioned the court to halt additional construction and other activities on the land until the case is resolved. President William Ruto is slated to attend the inauguration alongside Dangote.

The Kenyan government has expressed support for the project, with Ruto declaring during a visit to Dangote’s refinery in Lagos that his government stands firmly behind the plan. The Lamu refinery, with a projected capacity of 700,000 barrels per day (bpd), is part of Dangote’s African expansion strategy.