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Eco-Risk: Kenya's Proposed Oil Refinery Under Fire
15 Jul
Summary
- Greenpeace Africa urges halt to Dangote's $17B oil refinery in Kenya.
- Project threatens fragile coastal ecosystems and future fossil fuel dependency.
- The refinery may cause habitat destruction and marine degradation.
Greenpeace Africa has called for an immediate suspension of a proposed $17 billion oil refinery project spearheaded by Aliko Dangote in Kenya's Lamu port. The environmental organization cited significant risks to the region's fragile coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds.
The group expressed concerns that the 700,000 barrels per day capacity refinery will lead to habitat destruction, marine degradation, potential oil spills, and dangerous air pollution. Greenpeace Africa emphasized that these natural resources are vital for local fisheries and livelihoods.
While Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted potential job creation, Greenpeace Africa countered that the project would only generate temporary employment and jeopardize existing livelihoods in sectors like fishing and tourism. They also cautioned that the refinery could become a stranded asset amid a global shift to cleaner energy, locking Kenya into decades of carbon-intensive development.
