Kenyans Call Out Greenpeace Africa Over Opposition to Proposed Dangote Oil Refinery in Lamu

The proposed Dangote refinery in Lamu has sparked debate online after Greenpeace Africa raised concerns over the project, with many Kenyans opposing the environmental organization’s opposition, arguing that the investment could boost jobs and economic growth.

Some Kenyans have argued that the Dangote refinery has the potential to transform Lamu and strengthen the country’s industrial sector through employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and increased investment.

“There is a real and important debate happening around the proposed Dangote Refinery in Lamu. For many people, the first reaction is understandable: this looks like development for the people of Lamu and Kenya. Thousands of jobs. Big investment. National attention. A project of this scale naturally sounds like progress.”

However, they have also argued that several critical issues must be addressed before construction begins to ensure the project delivers meaningful benefits to local communities and Kenyans at large.

Dangote Refinery Proposal Sparks Online Debate Over Greenpeace Africa’s Opposition

According to reports, one of the main concerns surrounding the proposed refinery is the acquisition of approximately 5,000 acres of land required for the project.

Some Kenyans have questioned where the 5,000 acres of land required for the project will come from and whether the acquisition process will involve meaningful consultation with affected communities.

Also Read: REVEALED: Inside Ruto’s Plan to Create 60,000 Jobs at Dangote’s Lamu Refinery

In addition, others have argued that the manner in which the land is acquired will help to determine whether the refinery benefits local communities or comes at the expense of their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the proposed Dangote refinery has also raised concerns over its potential environmental impact on Lamu’s fragile coastal ecosystem, with environmental campaigners stating that the county’s mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds play a major role in protecting the coastline, supporting fisheries, and sustaining marine biodiversity.

Therefore, a refinery located along the coast could increase risks associated with tanker traffic, oil spills, and industrial pollution, potentially risking marine life and communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihoods.

Will the Refinery Benefit Lamu Residents?

Although thousands of jobs are expected to be created by the proposed refinery, Kenyans have also questioned whether those opportunities will primarily benefit residents.

“So the question is simple: will this project genuinely improve the well-being and quality of life of the people of Lamu, or will it leave behind displacement, ecological damage, and long-term costs that cannot be reversed?” one Kenyan asked.

Also Read: Africa Turns to Dangote Refinery as Iran War Strangles Global Fuel Supply

They have referred to previous major projects in Africa, where highly skilled positions have often been occupied by foreign experts, while local communities are mainly offered temporary, casual, or lower-paying jobs.

This development follows earlier opposition from climate and environmental campaigners, who urged the Kenyan government to halt the proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu, citing climate and ecological risks.

The campaigners argued that the proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery would be built along one of East Africa’s most ecologically sensitive coastlines, posing potential risks to mangrove forests, coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Once operational, it is expected to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and other regional markets, reducing dependence on imported fuels.

They also questioned the viability of investing in a large oil refinery at a time when Kenya and other African countries are accelerating the transition to renewable energy and electric mobility, warning that the project could become economically unviable as global demand for fossil fuels declines.

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Nigerian Billionaire Aliko Dangote. PHOTO/ File