Greenpeace Africa Mulls Lawsuit Over Kenya’s $17 B Dangote Refinery Approval

Greenpeace Africa warned it could file a court case to stop the issuance of permits for the Dangote Refinery, a $17 billion venture slated to produce 700,000 barrels per day on Kenya’s Lamu coast. The group contends that Kenya’s leadership made political and financial pledges before conducting a proper Environmental and Social Impact Assessment or ensuring extensive community input. Sherelee Odayar, an oil-and-gas campaigner, said the organization will examine the forthcoming assessment and demanded full disclosure from the refinery’s developers, the government and regulators.

President William Ruto touted the project as a catalyst for 60,000 jobs and a buffer against fuel-price shocks, though Greenpeace questioned how many of those positions would be permanent. Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and county officials indicated that licences are being prepared ahead of the 2027 elections, while Deputy President Kithure Kindiki pledged to create the legal and regulatory framework needed for construction, which the company says will start this year.