RESIDENTS OF UASIN GISHU WELCOME DANGOTE REFINERY PROJECT, BUT RAISE CONCERNS OVER LAND AND YOUTH JOBS
It has been confirmed that some families have filed cases in court challenging how the land was handled, claiming that their ownership rights have been violated.
Dangote East Africa Refinery project. Photo: Bantu Gazette.
By George Nyamwari
Residents of Uasin Gishu County have welcomed with high optimism the mega Dangote East Africa Refinery project set to be established in the county, while calling on the government to ensure the local community benefits directly.
The project, valued at approximately Sh 2.2 Trillion, was officially launched yesterday by President William Ruto together with renowned Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote. According to the investor, construction of the refinery is expected to be completed within 40 months.
The plant, which will be built on more than 7,000 acres of land, is expected to have a refining capacity of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making it the largest of its kind in the East and Central Africa region. The project is expected to bring an economic revolution, create jobs for thousands of Kenyans and reduce fuel costs in the country.
Speaking to journalists in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu resident Abdulkadir Muhammed said the project is a blessing for the county and the nation at large.
“We as residents of Uasin Gishu are very happy and we welcome this huge project. This is a historic project that will change the economic face of Eldoret and the entire Kenya. We thank the President and Mheshimiwa Dangote for bringing us this investment,” said Abdulkadir.
However, the residents have put a clear condition on the government. They have urged both the national and county governments to ensure that youth from the region, especially the Gen Z generation, are given priority in technical training.
Abubakar Bini, the North Rift Chairperson for The Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), emphasized that without early preparation, the jobs could go to outsiders.
“We are asking the government to immediately roll out technical training programs – welding, engineering, plant operations and oil management. Thousands of our Gen Z youth are ready but they lack those skills. If we don’t train them now, tomorrow we will cry that jobs have been taken by outsiders while we remain as spectators,” Bini said.
Alongside the optimism, issues of land ownership and compensation have continued to cause serious tension. Some residents from Chandavai and Magogoni areas have claimed that the process of acquiring the land did not follow the law, and that compensation has not been properly issued.
It has been confirmed that some families have filed cases in court challenging how the land was handled, claiming that their ownership rights have been violated.
Addressing the issue, Sheikh Abdulaziz Muhammed said development cannot be built on injustice.
“We say yes to development, but we cannot accept development that tramples on land owners. We are asking Mheshimiwa the President to ensure the law is followed. Everyone who has a right to the land should be paid fair compensation and on time. Justice must come before construction,” said Sheikh Abdulaziz.
For his part, President Ruto during the launch stressed that his government will handle all land matters in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country, and ensure that Kenyans, and especially residents of Uasin Gishu, are the first beneficiaries of the job and business opportunities that will arise from the mega project.
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