Marsabit County is one of the most remote and marginalized regions in northern Kenya, predominantly inhabited by pastoralist communities that rely entirely on livestock for their livelihoods. On the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana, the indigenous communities of Samburu, Rendile, Turkana, and El Molo reside, with a small group of El Molo people living on an island about 4 kilometers from Loyangalani center.
In August 2024, alongside friends and partners from various non-governmental organizations, we visited Loyangalani where we hold a convening with local community-based organizations, groups, small initiatives and Local communities at the surrounding areas. The Locals highlighted pressing issues affecting their communities. Afterwards, we visited the El Molo community on the island, where residents expressed their deep concern as rising water levels of the lake have submerged their homes, forcing them to evacuate to higher ground of the island.
One of the primary concerns raised by the local communities is the impact of mega-projects, such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) project, on their lives. They argue that this project is not implemented in a socially responsible manner that considers the well-being of local communities. The LTWP project is situated in an area inhabited by Samburu, Turkana, El Molo, and Rendile pastoralists, whose livelihoods depend on livestock herding and fishing.
The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, conceived in 2006, saw its first wind turbine erected in March of that year, and full commercial operations began in 2019. The wind farm comprises 365 wind turbines provided by the Danish company Vestas.
However, the installation of these wind turbines has negatively affected the indigenous communities due to the occupation of their lands without prior consultation and forced displacement. Indigenous peoples’ policies and safeguard standards, such as the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), were not observed. While the consortium recognized the El Molo people as indigenous, it argued that they lived too far from the project to be impacted, concluding that no indigenous communities would suffer the effects. This conclusion stands in contrast to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which has recognized all four groups as indigenous.
Adding to the community’s frustration is the fact that while the LTWP project provides energy to Kenya’s national grid, the local communities residing near the project are not connected to the electricity grid. Although it is technically possible for indigenous people to pay for the service to obtain electricity, the exclusion of these communities from the benefits of the project remains a contentious issue.
The community has expressed growing concerns about employment practices related to the wind power project. During the construction phase, many jobs were short-term and unskilled. Since construction has ended, local employment opportunities have been scarce, with only a few positions available, such as security guards and seasonal casual laborers. Unfortunately, most of the higher-skilled jobs, like engineering roles, have gone to individuals from outside the community.
A rising issue is that many of the casual labor positions, which were once filled by locals, are now being outsourced. The local casual workers who were originally employed have been let go. Project officials argue that the locals lack the necessary operational skills, which has led to frustration within the community. During a recent visit, local youth were vocal about their intentions to protest and march to the LTWP offices to demand their rights. The outsourcing of casual jobs is particularly troubling to the community, as a staggering 90% of local youth are unemployed. Many of them have pursued courses aligned with the project’s requirements in hopes of securing employment.
To maintain peace and foster good relations, community elders are urging the LTWP to invest in training the local youth for both labor and casual positions. They argue that it is unacceptable for a project operating on their land, which was allegedly acquired through force and without compensation, to outsource skilled and unskilled positions. The community views this as immoral, inhumane, and exploitative.
The LTWP also has a foundation set up as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts: Winds of Change Foundation (WoC). Its stated aim is to seek to improve the lives of local communities and to finance projects related to health, education, water and road infrastructure. The WoC has received mixed reviews, most locals believing its activities are aimed more at serving the LTWP than the local communities. The construction of a road and the police station in Loiyangalani, for example, did not reflect community priorities.
