Community leaders in Lamu County have urged the developers of the proposed Dangote oil refinery to sign a legally enforceable agreement guaranteeing local benefits before the project advances.
While welcoming the investment, the leaders emphasized the need for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that clearly outlines the rights and advantages for residents, including employment opportunities, compensation, and participation in decision-making.
Key Demands from Lamu Leaders
- At least 70% of jobs created by the refinery should be reserved for Lamu residents, spanning all levels from senior management to casual labor.
- Employment commitments must be legally binding, specifying the number of local hires in each job category.
- Investment in local infrastructure such as roads, health facilities, and schools to support community development.
- Implementation of education and vocational training programs prior to construction to equip locals with necessary skills.
- Fair consultation and compensation for land acquisition affecting public, community, or private lands.
- Strict adherence to environmental laws and international standards, including a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment before project commencement.
- Open and inclusive public engagement to address community concerns and foster transparency.
The leaders expressed concerns over limited public consultations and the failure of past large-scale projects to deliver tangible economic returns to host communities. They stressed that sustainable support for the refinery hinges on active local involvement and safeguards against adverse impacts.
