Africa Must Build, Not Block: African Energy Chamber (AEC) Condemns Court Order Threatening Dangote’s Kenya Refinery

Construction activities associated with Dangote Industries planned $15-16 billion refinery in Lamu, Kenya, face disruption following a petition by 133 residents claiming rights over land earmarked for the project. While the interim order made by the Malindi Environment and Land Court states that the status quo be maintained on the land, parties are required not to carry out activities until the court hearing on October 14. The groundbreaking was initially set for September 30. The African Energy Chamber (AEC), representing the voice of the African energy sector, condemns these attempts to derail the refinery and strongly supports Aliko Dangote and Dangote Industries in advancing a project of strategic importance to East Africa’s fuel security. The Chamber views this as frivolous litigation from the west. Africa has seen too many strategic energy projects delayed by bureaucracy, litigation and anti-development pressure at precisely the moment the continent needs more infrastructure, not less. The petition was brought by residents of Chandavai – situated in Lamu Country – who declare that the land allocated for the refinery, specifically LR No. 13061, forms part of their ancestral he