As a young boy, Engineer Martin Isandap discovered his calling. He was a prefect of various clubs of St. Paul’s Secondary School in Marsabit County and honed a passion for problem-solving, resilience and leadership. It is these qualities that become the bedrock of his career as an engineer.
Driven by a keen interest, Isandap pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, building a robust technical foundation. His professional journey began with an internship at Kenya Pipeline Company, where he mastered precision and safety in a real-world setting. This experience quickly led to a graduate trainee position at Gulsan Construction Ltd, immersing him in large-scale projects that demanded careful coordination, sharp attention to detail, and teamwork.
In 2018, Isandap stepped into the world of renewable energy and joined the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) as an Assistant Maintenance Supervisor. His early days were a deep dive into the complex world of wind farm operations, balancing hands-on fieldwork with strategic office coordination.
His dedication was visible, and it was not long before he took on the specialised role of lead engineer for the Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation (DRPC) systems. He also serves as the Deputy Maintenance Supervisor. “High voltages cause destruction of machinery and cause black outs while low voltages cause collapses in the grid due to imbalances. We regulate the system voltage for the 365 turbines to ensure they operate optimally.” Isandap notes. These roles blend deep technical knowledge with strategic oversight, demanding both hands-on problem solving and big picture planning.
At LTWP, Isandap’s commitment to excellence led him to advanced training at world-class institutions. He earned Siemens certification in substation equipment, Rongxin Power Ltd (RXHK) training for STATCOM operations and maintenance, and completed some Institute of Energy Studies and Research (IESR) programs focused on electrical safety competency and high-voltage cables. Further expanding his expertise, he secured the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) certificate – a highly regarded credential for safety in extreme environments – and became a Project Management Professional (PMP) at the Project Management Institute, evolving his capabilities from technical operations to strategic project leadership.
Playing dual roles
Today, Isandap plays a dual role at LTWP. As deputy Maintenance Supervisor, he serves as an operations and maintenance engineer, ensuring the wind farm’s assets operate with optimal performance, reliability, and availability. This involves coordinating maintenance activities, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and leading initiatives to boost power output stability and efficiency. Additionally, he is the lead engineer for the DRPC systems.
Since 2018, Isandap has risen through the ranks and each step, he says, has brought new challenges, new skills, and new opportunities to mentor others.
One of Isandap’s proudest achievements at LTWP came in 2021, when he won the inhouse Innovation Award. His groundbreaking solution reduced turbine feeder outages by 90%. He describes the project as a testament to cross-functional collaboration, demanding in-depth analysis of failure patterns and targeted engineering modifications. The tangible result: a measurable rise in operational reliability, a significant boost in energy output, and a reduction in downtime.
Working at LTWP
Isandap says LTWP is an organisation with a highly adaptive and forward-thinking culture, one that rapidly evolves to meet industry demands and environmental challenges. He highlights the diverse and dynamic team of young professionals, united by a shared purpose.
The remote location and sheer scale of operations, he notes, create a rare and rewarding professional environment that challenges employees while amplifying their impact. He adds that LTWP is where renewable energy transcends a job and becomes a vital mission – powering households, empowering small businesses, and fuelling the engines of industries and technological advancement across Kenya.
The belief that renewable energy stands at the forefront of powering the nation is what motivates him. “Being part of LTWP means contributing to a sustainable future while tackling complex challenges that advance my career and the prosperity of communities and humanity as a whole,” Isandap says.
Looking ahead, he wants to focus on driving continuous improvements, mentoring the next generation of engineers and technicians, and contributing to innovations that ensure LTWP continues to perform at its peak. “When I am not locked in maintaining systems, I read books and play for the LTWP football team” Isandap concludes.
Martin Isandap’s journey is a compelling testament to relentless growth and unwavering dedication. From a small village classroom in Marsabit to the control room that powers Kenya with clean energy, his story proves that with discipline, a commitment to continuous learning, and the right opportunities, growth truly knows no limits.
