Dangote's $16bn Kenya Refinery Receives Court Approval

Aliko Dangote's proposed $16 billion oil refinery in Kenya has received a legal reprieve as the High Court in Malindi, presided over by Judge Jane Onyango, lifted an earlier restriction on the project. The court's decision, delivered on October 14, 2026, allows development to proceed despite ongoing disputes regarding land ownership and environmental compliance.

The legal challenge was initiated by 133 Kenyan residents who claimed the refinery threatens their property rights and that the developers failed to meet environmental requirements. The court identified an error in the land parcel referenced in the petition, allowing the applicants to amend their filing.

The case is set to return for a hearing on November 24, 2026. Additionally, approximately 700 more residents have expressed their intention to join the lawsuit.

An interim order issued on September 25, 2026, had previously directed parties to maintain existing conditions on the contested property.