The planned groundbreaking ceremony for the East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu County is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, despite an ongoing court case over part of the project’s land.

The Malindi Environment and Land Court issued an interim order that parties must maintain the status‑quo on the contested parcel, identified as Land Reference No 13061, until a hearing on October 14.

The order does not expressly prohibit the September 30 ceremony, though it restricts any clearing, excavation, fencing or construction on the disputed land while the case is pending.

Lawyer Hesbon Omollo, representing the 133 residents who filed the case, interpreted the order as allowing the official ceremony to proceed, while noting that further court arguments are required.

The residents, who claim long‑term occupation and cultivation of the land, argue they were excluded from the acquisition, compensation and resettlement process, and are seeking recognition of their claims.

Justice Jane Onyango declined to certify the residents’ application as urgent on September 25, directing the respondents to file responses within 14 days and setting the next hearing for October 14.

Dangote Group confirmed that the ceremony will go ahead, acknowledging that the court order may affect some on‑site activities but will not stop the official launch.

President William Ruto is expected to lead the groundbreaking, underscoring the project’s significance as a 700,000‑barrel‑per‑day refinery intended to boost Kenya’s petroleum processing capacity and create jobs.