Lamu:Lamu Governor Issa Timamy has advised residents of Hindi and Mkunumbi wards, where the proposed $15 billion Dangote Oil Refinery is set to be developed, to refrain from selling their land at undervalued prices, anticipating a significant economic transformation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Timamy, speaking in Mokowe, emphasized that landowners near the refinery site should wait for better valuations as the project progresses. He warned that selling land cheaply now would mean missing out on future benefits.
The Dangote Lamu refinery is projected to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest refinery in East Africa upon its expected completion by 2030. The construction is estimated to take 2.5 to 4 years.
Timamy highlighted that the project would increase demand for housing, commercial space, and logistics infrastructure in Lamu. He noted that the region should prepare for an influx of over 100,000 people working directly or indirectly for the refinery.
The county government is accelerating land management reforms with the Lamu Land Spatial Plan to support local landowners. Timamy urged vigilance among landowners and squatters in areas like Magogoni, Bargoni, Kwasasi, Hindi, and Ndeu against opportunistic buyers.
Hindi Ward MCA James Njaaga Kariuki called for the national government to engage in public participation with all stakeholders to prevent community marginalization. Nominated MCA Ahmed Medo is preparing legislation to ensure that at least 70 percent of jobs created in Lamu are reserved for local residents.
