Dangote's $16bn Kenya refinery faces second legal challenge over state stake
The Consumers Federation of Kenya petitioned the Public Private Partnerships Petition Committee under Section 75 of the Public Private Partnerships Act, 2021, seeking review of the government's proposed equity stake, land arrangements and state support for Dangote's planned $16bn refinery at Lamu. The filing argues that the 700,000-bpd facility violates Kenya's constitution by failing to comply with the law governing public-private partnerships, and COFEK seeks disclosure of the acquisition vehicle, share class and payment terms for Kenya's proposed 10% stake, reported at about $500mn. The petition follows a separate land case in which 133 residents obtained temporary orders from the Malindi Environment and Land Court requiring the parties to maintain the status quo on disputed land in Lamu County, with a hearing set for October 14.
Why it matters: The challenge tests whether Kenya's public-private partnership rules can accommodate its largest-ever foreign direct investment, placing legal and regulatory risk at the centre of the briefing's investment theme.