- Greenpeace Africa has raised concerns over the environmental approval process for the proposed Dangote refinery and is considering legal action.
- The dispute has intensified scrutiny of regulatory compliance, environmental governance and investor confidence in largest planned energy projects.
Greenpeace Africa questioned the timing of government approvals. It also argued that authorities should complete the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) before advancing the project. The organisation believes affected communities also deserve meaningful opportunities to participate in the approval process.
The refinery forms part of Kenya’s strategy to strengthen domestic refining capacity. The government also wants to improve energy security and position the country as a regional energy hub.
Officials expect the refinery to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day. They say the facility will supply Kenya and neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan. The government also believes the refinery will reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. In addition, officials say it will strengthen regional fuel security.
Greenpeace Africa maintains that authorities must comply fully with Kenya’s environmental laws. The organisation also insists that officials must follow constitutional requirements for public participation.
The group argues that authorities announced commitments to the refinery before completing the ESIA. It also says nearby communities had limited opportunities to contribute to the decision-making process.
Greenpeace Africa has requested greater transparency on the project’s economic benefits. Specifically, it wants the government to explain its estimate that the refinery could create about 60,000 jobs. The organisation also wants officials to distinguish between permanent jobs, temporary construction roles and indirect employment opportunities.
The dispute highlights the growing importance of environmental, social and governance considerations in major infrastructure projects across Africa.
Today, international lenders and investors assess environmental compliance alongside financial performance. They also evaluate community engagement and regulatory transparency before supporting large projects.
According to the Kenyan government, preparatory work has already begun. Engineers are conducting soil investigations, technical studies and preliminary design activities.
Officials plan to finance the refinery through several sources. These include internally generated funds, bond issuances, proceeds from a future public listing and Kenya’s planned US$165 million seed investment.
Furthermore, government officials have continued discussions with neighbouring countries interested in participating in the project. The refinery will occupy a strategic location within the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor. Policymakers expect the project to strengthen regional fuel distribution and support industrial development.
Previous legal disputes involving the LAPSSET Corridor continue to shape public debate. Earlier court rulings identified shortcomings in environmental governance and community consultation. Those rulings increased expectations for transparency during future infrastructure developments.
Local communities recognise the project’s economic potential. Many residents expect new jobs, improved infrastructure and greater commercial activity.
However, fishing communities, tourism operators and civil society groups continue to seek more information about possible impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods. The completed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will mark the project’s next major milestone. Regulators will use its findings to guide future decisions.
The outcome will determine whether the refinery proceeds on schedule or enters a prolonged legal and regulatory review.
The decision could influence how African governments balance industrial development, energy security and environmental accountability in future infrastructure projects.