Lamu residents: Compensate us first

As Ruto prepares to break ground on a KSh2 trillion refinery, communities scarred by the Lamu Port project are demanding answers before the dignitaries arrive

By Fatuma Ali

Lamu residents yesterday demanded fair compensation and a resettlement plan before construction begins on the proposed KSh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Refinery, ahead of President William Ruto’s groundbreaking at the Magogoni site on Wednesday.

Residents, scarred by the KSh310 billion Lamu Port project — which disrupted fishermen’s livelihoods and sparked lengthy compensation court battles — said they would not be sidelined again. Mohamed Abdulkadir, organising secretary of the Lamu branch of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, said it must first deliver for local communities. “Let the investor engage us in CSR projects so that our real needs are addressed. We want to see improved healthcare, education and clean water in villages surrounding the project site,” Abdulkadir said.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy warned residents against selling land cheaply, projecting the project would draw more than 100,000 workers and push values higher. “Landowners should not rush to sell their land cheaply. The value will only rise as the project progresses,” Timamy said.

Greenpeace Africa has demanded an independent environmental and social impact assessment before approvals are issued. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has described the refinery — designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily and create 60,000 jobs — as a project that will “unlock the economy of Lamu and the Coast region.”

For Lamu residents watching dignitaries arrive, unlocking must start with honest answers and a genuine seat at the table.

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