Residents of Lamu County in Kenya have called on the government to settle outstanding land claims and compensate affected communities before construction begins on the proposed Dangote refinery.
While expressing support for the planned refinery and the economic opportunities it could create, residents said the development should not result in the loss of farmland, grazing areas or community land without proper compensation.
The concerns were raised as preparations for the project gather pace, with residents urging authorities to resolve existing land disputes before allowing construction activities to proceed.
Some community members said they have experienced unresolved compensation issues linked to previous infrastructure projects in the county.
They also expressed concern over the potential impact of the refinery and related infrastructure on livestock routes and agricultural land that support local livelihoods.
One resident said communities should be allowed to retain sufficient land to pursue livestock development plans. The resident pointed to an agreement involving the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority and a local livestock marketing cooperative for projects including quarantine facilities, hay production, feedlots and livestock marketing infrastructure.
Residents also raised concerns about the Barguan Holding Ground, describing it as an established livestock facility and warning that planned infrastructure could affect traditional grazing routes.
Despite these concerns, residents said they were not opposed to the Dangote refinery.
Some acknowledged the potential for the project to create employment, stimulate economic activity and expand opportunities for people in Lamu.
However, they called for local communities to be adequately protected and compensated where their land or livelihoods are affected.
Farmers who attended community discussions also said they had yet to receive compensation connected to land taken or affected by major development projects.
They urged national and county authorities to address outstanding claims before additional land is committed to the refinery project.
The land concerns are linked to Lamu’s long-running experience with major infrastructure developments under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor.
Projects associated with the corridor have previously generated disputes over land ownership, compensation and the rights of affected communities.
The proposed Dangote refinery is expected to add to Lamu’s growing role as an energy and logistics centre, alongside the Port of Lamu and other developments in the area.
For residents, however, the anticipated economic benefits remain closely tied to how land rights, compensation and local livelihoods are handled as the project moves forward.
