Lamu’s Youth at the Centre of a New Oil Era

The proposed Dangote oil refinery in Lamu has entered a new phase of uncertainty after more than 130 residents of Chandavai moved to court seeking to stop the project. The residents argue that the development threatens land that their families have occupied and used for generations, and they have raised concerns about displacement, destruction of property, compensation and public participation. The case comes just days before the planned September 30 groundbreaking ceremony.

For young people living in Lamu, the debate is about more than a large industrial investment. It raises an important question: How will major development projects affect the future opportunities, livelihoods and environment of the communities where they are built?

Employment and Skills Opportunities

One of the most significant potential benefits for young people is employment. Local leaders have been calling for Lamu youth to receive priority in jobs and business opportunities created by the refinery. Some residents have also urged the government to invest in education and training so that local young people have the qualifications needed to compete for opportunities generated by the project.

The proposed refinery could therefore create demand for skills in areas such as engineering, construction, transport, logistics, administration, hospitality, security and technical services. It could also create indirect opportunities for young entrepreneurs supplying goods and services to workers and businesses connected to the project. One Lamu entrepreneur, for example, has already discussed establishing an industrial catering business to serve the expected workforce.

However, employment opportunities are not guaranteed to benefit local youth automatically. Without appropriate education, vocational training and transparent recruitment processes, young people from outside the community or those with stronger qualifications may capture many of the available positions.

Land, Livelihoods and Young People's Futures

The court case also highlights concerns about land and displacement. The residents allege that construction-related activities have already resulted in damage to crops, trees, homes and other property, while arguing that some affected families have not received adequate compensation.

These concerns are particularly significant for young people because land can be an important foundation for their future livelihoods. Young people growing up in farming, fishing or other land-dependent households may inherit or depend on family land for their economic security. Displacement could therefore affect not only their present circumstances but also their ability to establish livelihoods in the future.

Environment and Community Well-being

Environmental concerns are another important part of the debate. Environmental groups have warned about potential risks to Lamu's fragile coastal ecosystem, while residents and activists have called for comprehensive environmental and social assessments and greater community participation.

For young people, environmental protection is closely connected to their future. Changes to coastal ecosystems can affect livelihoods such as fishing, agriculture and tourism. Young people therefore have a direct interest in ensuring that economic development is accompanied by responsible environmental management.

Giving Young People a Voice

The ongoing debate demonstrates why young people should be included in conversations surrounding major development projects in their communities. Their participation should extend beyond employment to education, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, community development and decision-making.

The Lamu refinery could create significant opportunities, but the current court case shows that questions surrounding land, compensation and community participation remain unresolved. For young people, the broader lesson is that development should be measured not only by the size of an investment, but also by whether local communities have the skills, opportunities and voice to participate in—and benefit from—the changes taking place around them.