Residents of Kwale, Kenya, have taken legal action challenging a preliminary agreement between Kenya and the United States for the exploration and mining of rare earth minerals at Mrima Hill.

• Residents and the Centre for Litigation and Trust are concerned about potential environmental damage, radioactive waste, and displacement without adequate compensation.
• They argue that Mrima Hill is a legally protected national monument and sacred forest, making mining prohibited under the Mining Act.
• The court has directed parties to file submissions on its jurisdiction to hear the dispute, with a mention set for September 16.

Kenya's energy regulator, EPRA, is introducing new regulations to cap debt financing for future oil and gas projects, aiming to strengthen financial oversight ahead of commercial drilling in Turkana.

• Proposed regulations mandate a maximum 70:30 debt-to-equity ratio for petroleum projects.
• The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will oversee compliance, with non-compliant firms facing fines up to Ksh20 million.
• These rules aim to ensure financially stable projects and prevent debt from delaying or undermining developments.

The National Land Commission (NLC) has initiated a fresh compulsory land acquisition process along the Mombasa-Mariakani highway corridor to facilitate its ongoing dualization.

• The acquisition affects landowners in several parts of Mombasa County and is necessary for the dualling of the A109 Road.
• Key organizations involved include the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
• Affected individuals are required to attend inquiry sessions in late September and early October, with specific dates for Miritini, Rabai, and Marakani residents, and must submit written compensation claims with supporting documents.