Kakamega:The government has initiated an investigation into claims of fraudulent titles being issued for land designated for the Lamu refinery project.
According to Kenya News Agency, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino stated that the land was originally acquired by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), and the families residing there were compensated before the land was consolidated under a single title. Owino, addressing journalists in Kakamega, mentioned that approximately 90 families received Sh1.4 billion in compensation during the establishment of the port.
Owino explained that after the acquisition, the land was transferred to KPA and a comprehensive title was issued, preventing any legitimate creation of new titles without proper subdivision. He assured that an investigation team is actively examining the situation, and those found guilty of fraud will be charged soon.
He emphasized that the existing records confirm the compensation to the affected families and reinforced the government’s commitment to moving forward with the refinery project, asserting that the land was acquired legally. He also assured that any genuine compensation claims would be addressed by the government without hesitation.
Owino defended the refinery project, highlighting its economic potential. The Sh2.2 billion investment, which commenced on September 30, 2026, is anticipated to significantly boost Kenya’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), increasing it from the current Sh3.1 billion to over Sh7 billion annually.
He further noted that the refinery is expected to generate around 1,000 megawatts of electricity, a crucial addition to the country’s current capacity. The generated power would partially operate the refinery, with the surplus being supplied to the national grid.
Additionally, the refinery is projected to produce by-products that could be utilized as raw materials for local industries, including tyre and plastics manufacturing. Owino pointed out the potential for the refinery to help revive domestic industries, such as tyre production, which currently relies entirely on imports.
