A Kenyan court has ordered a halt to the construction of Aliko Dangote’s $16 billion oil refinery project in Lamu, following a petition by locals opposing the project.
Justice Jane Onyango of the Malindi Environment and Land Court ordered that the status quo prevailing be maintained in Lamu, north-eastern Kenya, where the refinery is planned to be built. The order was issued on September 25, with the court expected to give further directions on October 14.
The ruling means that no construction of the project should begin until the court reconvenes, according to George Wakahiu, lawyer representing the local opponents.
Groundbreaking for the refinery, which is designed to cut eastern Africa’s reliance on imported refined fuel, is scheduled for September 30.
The case was filed by 133 petitioners who identified themselves as farmers and residents of Chandavai in Lamu County. They alleged that the project would infringe on their property rights and involves forceful eviction from their lands, damage and destruction of their properties without a resettlement plan.
The petitioners also alleged that Dangote and the Kenyan authorities have yet to comply with the nation’s environmental code that requires a mandatory environmental impact assessment be done before the implementation of any major project. They also said the project fails to comply with Kenya’s constitution, which requires that necessary public participation be conducted.
Reacting to the development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Fze said while no activity will be carried out at the project site until the case is heard next month, the company plans to proceed with the groundbreaking ceremony.
