Protests erupted in Lamu on Tuesday, September 29, as residents voiced opposition to the planned Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery ahead of its groundbreaking on Wednesday, September 30.

• Residents are demanding adequate compensation and other assurances concerning land, community participation, and environmental requirements.
• 133 residents of Chandavai challenged the project in the Malindi Environment and Land Court, citing ancestral property and inadequate resettlement plans.
• The court declined to halt the groundbreaking and ordered that the status quo on the disputed land be maintained until October 14.

The High Court has declined to halt the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dangote refinery project in Lamu, allowing the event to proceed as scheduled on Wednesday.

• The decision permits the project to move forward while a land dispute involving at least 133 residents remains under legal consideration.
• Key entities involved include Dangote Industries and various government bodies such as the National Land Commission.
• Residents are contesting the project, claiming the land has been occupied and utilized by their families for generations, with some stating ancestral graves are located on the disputed property.

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) is intensifying its nationwide campaign to combat misinformation and disinformation about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), recently conducting outreach in Lamu and Kwale counties.

• The campaign aims to educate farmers and communities on the NBA's regulatory role and the science behind biotechnology, addressing persistent public awareness gaps.
• Key figures leading the engagements include NBA Board Chairperson David Wamatsi and Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi.
• In Kwale, a 10-kilometre walk titled "Walking for a Biosafe Nation" was held in Msambweni Sub-County, drawing over 330 participants.

Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Dangote Oil Refinery in Lamu will proceed on Wednesday, September 30, despite a court order and local protests.

• The Ksh2 trillion Dangote East Africa refinery project faces opposition from residents demanding compensation.
• The Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed the government's intention to proceed with the launch.
• A Malindi Environment and Land Court issued temporary orders restricting activities on disputed land, filed by Salim Tima Swale and 132 others.

Kenya has 50 oil exploration blocks across four sedimentary basins, according to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), as the nation gears up for commercial crude production from the South Lokichar fields.

• Kenya has 50 petroleum exploration blocks, with 29 in the Lamu Basin.
• The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is the source of the report.
• Commercial crude production from the South Lokichar fields is expected to begin on December 1, 2026, starting at 20,000 barrels per day.