A motorcycle taxi rider reacts while dropping off a passenger in front of Lamu's iconic Arch Entrance Gate 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 boat operator makes his way between moored vessels at dawn before starting work 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 readies 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)

Workers load construction materials onto donkeys for transport 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 man rides a tuk-tuk as workers load construction materials onto donkeys for transport 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 worker transports an old refrigerator on a handcart along 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 through a narrow alleyway 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)

Vegetable and fruit vendors wait for customers at a market 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)