Amanze Chinonye
Kenya’s military has called for heightened vigilance to protect strategic infrastructure in coastal Lamu as a proposed $16 billion refinery by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote advances, following a court ruling that lifted an interim restriction on the project while a dispute over land rights and environmental compliance continues.
Major General William Kamoiro, commander of the Kenya Defence Forces’ (KDF) Central Command, visited troops deployed under Operation Amani Boni on Thursday to assess operational readiness and review security measures in the Boni Enclave, the Defence Ministry said.
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Kamoiro called for sustained vigilance and intelligence-led operations to counter security threats and protect local communities. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding strategic infrastructure, including the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor and the proposed refinery.
The security review comes as the refinery project moves forward following a High Court decision in Malindi on Wednesday to lift an interim restriction affecting the proposed site. Justice Jane Onyango allowed 133 residents challenging the development to amend their filing after identifying an error in the land parcel cited in their case. The court adjourned the matter until November 24, 2026.
The ruling removes an immediate legal obstacle but does not resolve the residents’ claims over land rights and environmental compliance. The petitioners have also raised concerns about development in an area associated with Lamu’s cultural heritage, including the UNESCO-listed Lamu Old Town. Lawyer George Wakahiu told the court that about 700 additional residents had indicated an intention to join the proceedings.
Dangote Group has maintained that the earlier court order did not amount to a complete suspension of the project and that preparations could continue within the limits of the court’s directive. The Refinery formally launched construction on September 30.
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The proposed Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, matching the stated capacity of Dangote’s refinery in Lagos, Nigeria. Construction is expected to take about 40 months, with commissioning targeted for 2030, according to the project timeline announced by Dangote.
The refinery is intended to expand East Africa’s refining capacity, although its implementation will depend on construction progress, reliable crude supplies and supporting infrastructure. The project forms part of wider development plans centred on Lamu, including the LAPSSET corridor, which aims to improve transport and trade links between Kenya’s coast and inland regional markets.
The military’s latest review highlights the importance of security as investment in the region progresses.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
