The proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu is facing growing opposition from environmental groups and local stakeholders even before construction begins.
Critics cite environmental concerns, inadequate public participation, land compensation and a lack of transparency over the terms of the multibillion-dollar investment.
Dangote Industries plans to build a refinery capable of processing 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. The facility is expected to supply Kenya and other East African countries with petrol, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products.
According to Reuters, soil testing, design and engineering work have already begun. However, full-scale construction has not been confirmed, and key regulatory and commercial details remain undisclosed.
President William Ruto has backed the project, saying it could strengthen regional energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined fuel and create about 60,000 jobs.
Among those opposing the project is Power Shift Africa Director Mohamed Adow, who argues that a refinery of this scale could threaten Lamu's mangrove forests, coral reefs, fishing grounds and marine ecosystems.
The refinery would require extensive supporting infrastructure, including storage tanks, pipelines, roads and shipping terminals.
Opponents warn that increased tanker traffic, dredging, industrial waste and the risk of oil spills could harm coastal communities that depend on fishing and marine resources.
Concerns have also been raised about the wider cultural and environmental landscape surrounding Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The exact location of the refinery has not been made public, leaving uncertainty over how close the facility and its supporting infrastructure would be to protected cultural and natural sites.
Constitutional lawyer Levi Munyeri has threatened legal action unless the government fully involves Lamu residents in decisions about the project.
Munyeri argues that residents deserve clear information about the proposed site, land requirements, environmental risks, compensation plans and employment opportunities.
His position has not been tested in court, and no court has ruled that the refinery approval process has breached public participation requirements.
Some local leaders are also demanding fair compensation for affected landowners and fishermen, while others want a significant share of jobs created by the project reserved for Lamu residents.
These concerns echo previous disputes over major infrastructure projects in the county, including complaints about the loss of fishing grounds and delays in compensation.
Economic and climate concerns
Beyond environmental issues, critics have questioned whether investing in a large new oil refinery remains commercially viable as more countries shift towards electric transport and renewable energy.
They argue that the refinery could become less valuable if global demand for petroleum products declines more rapidly than expected.
Questions also remain over crude oil supply, project financing, tax incentives, government guarantees and whether there will be sufficient demand for the refinery's full output.
However, opposition to the project is not unanimous. Some Lamu residents and youth groups support the investment, saying it could create jobs, expand business opportunities and boost economic activity at Lamu Port.
Before construction can begin, the project will still require environmental impact assessments, regulatory approvals and public consultation.
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