Young men gather beside a historic iron cannon at the seafront in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A schoolgirl walks past Lamu's iconic Arch Entrance Gate on her way to school in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A schoolboy rides his bicycle past a donkey in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A sign reading "Soft sweet slow, life will flow" stands on the shore at dawn as boats lie moored at a jetty on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A motorcycle taxi rider drives past the Raudha Mosque in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A worker walks past an old cart workshop in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A general view of the waterfront of Lamu Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)

A boat operator climbs aboard his vessel as he prepares for the start of the day's work in Lamu Old Town on Lamu Island on October 1, 2026.The picturesque Kenyan island of Lamu faces a tough trade-off after becoming the construction site for Africa's latest mega-refinery.Lamu, on the Indian Ocean coast, is known for its 12th-century Old Town, traditional dhow sailing boats and paradisical beaches that have made it a favourite haunt of stars like Mick Jagger, Kate Moss and the Obamas. But within less than half a year it has become the chosen location for Africa's second-biggest oil refinery, being built by Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP via Getty Images)