KENYAN COURT HALTS DANGOTE REFINERY WORK AHEAD OF OCTOBER HEARING

A Kenyan court has ordered that work on the proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu County be put on hold pending further hearing of a case brought by some local residents.

The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued the order after farmers and residents of Chandavai opposed the project, alleging forced eviction and destruction of their properties.

According to a Bloomberg report, Judge Jane Onyango directed that the existing situation at the site be maintained. The court is expected to give further directions on October 14.

A lawyer representing the petitioners, George Wakahiu, said the order means construction activities should not begin before the next hearing.

The petitioners also alleged that the project had proceeded without a resettlement plan and claimed that the required environmental impact assessment and public participation had not been completed.

However, Dangote Group said the court had not cancelled or stopped the planned groundbreaking ceremony for the refinery.

The company said activities at the proposed site could be affected by the order because both parties are required not to carry out activities until the October 14 hearing.

The proposed refinery is expected to have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day. Kenyan President William Ruto had earlier said his government had secured land for the project and was working to fast-track the remaining administrative processes.

The project is expected to expand industrial activities in East Africa, create jobs and improve technical skills in the region.