When Anjelina Orre joined Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) in December 2014, the project was still in its developing stages. Ten years later, her journey mirrors the growth and impact of LTWP itself. Her story is a testament to the opportunities for professional and personal development that the company fosters, for all its employees.
“I was quite young at the time, less experienced than I am today, but full of enthusiasm and eager to be part of something impactful,” Anjelina recalls of her early days.
The site in Sarima was a hive of activity with numerous contractors on the ground. Local communities had high expectations and would sometimes erect roadblocks to demand employment opportunities. Over time, LTWP’s commitment to local hiring helped integrate many community members into various roles, easing tensions and building stronger relationships.
A resident of Marsabit
Anjelina grew up in Hula Hula village, Marsabit County. Her education journey took her from primary school in Hula Hula to Moyale Girls for secondary education, culminating in a Diploma in Information Technology from KSPS School in Eldoret.
As one of the early employees of LTWP, Anjelina worked at the first site office located in Kurungu, South Horr. The building was later converted into a maternity ward for the local community. While the facility currently awaits equipment to become fully operational, its intended purpose speaks volumes about LTWP’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy.
Over the past decade, Anjelina has witnessed LTWP’s evolution firsthand, particularly in employee welfare. The company has consistently prioritised its staff’s well-being through comprehensive medical and life insurance, investment in learning and development programs, regular team-building activities, and wellness initiatives. A significant benefit is the pension scheme, where LTWP contributes a percentage of an employee’s salary, demonstrating a long-term investment in their future. The recent introduction of Group Life Insurance further enhances protection for employees and their families. The medical insurance provided covers over 1,700 employees and family members.
Role at LTWP
As a HR Assistant, Anjelina is central to supporting LTWP’s workforce. Her role has evolved significantly. She credits a colleague’s mentorship for her growth. “She took the time to guide me, provide direction, and share her knowledge generously,” Anjelina states, acknowledging the impact this mentorship had on her development into a confident and skilled HR professional.
Her responsibilities now encompass recruitment support, onboarding coordination, welfare management, employee record maintenance, and HR policy implementation. This expanded role has instilled in her the value of empathy, discretion, and clear communication. “What I find most fulfilling is being able to support colleagues across the organisation and contribute to a positive work environment,” she explains.
Being a first point of contact for staff, offering guidance or simply a listening ear, makes her role incredibly rewarding. “Knowing that I can play a small part in improving someone’s work experience makes my role rewarding. It also gives me a deeper appreciation for the human side of the organisation, and that’s what motivates me every day,” she says.
Balancing family and career
Anjelina is also a mother, with two of her children born during her tenure at LTWP. She shares the challenges of being a working mother, especially in the early years when maternity leave was only three months. “It was emotionally and mentally challenging to leave a newborn at such a tender age and return to work,” she admits.
Her proximity to home allowed her to travel back on weekends. She expresses gratitude that her children grew up healthy and acknowledges LTWP’s enhanced maternity policy, which now offers eight months of leave. This change, she notes, “reflects the company’s growing commitment to employee well-being, especially for working mothers.”
LTWP’s commitment to local hiring is a point of pride for Anjelina. She has witnessed many individuals from surrounding communities being employed in various roles, including those without formal training who were mentored on the job. Some have even advanced into senior positions. “This approach has not only provided livelihoods but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride among the communities,” she observes.
LTWP stands out as a stable and reliable employer in a region where formal employment opportunities are scarce. Beyond jobs, it offers structured benefits like health insurance, pension contributions, and a safe working environment, among others. Anjelina says that through mentorship and on-the-job learning, LTWP has enabled many to grow professionally and personally, creating a lasting impact on individuals and the wider community.
Reflecting on her decade at LTWP, she says her time at LTWP has been transformative. “When I look back at the person I was when I first joined, compared to who I am today, the growth is undeniable,” she states. The mentorship she received early on shaped her approach to work and balancing home and career demands. “Our professional relationship grew into one of mutual trust and respect, and her guidance has helped me build resilience and approach challenges with perspective and grace,” she says.
Anjelina makes it a habit to reflect at the end of each week, a practice that grounds her and allows her to appreciate her progress. “It’s been a journey of steady learning, continuous support, and small wins that have added up to something I’m truly proud of,” she says.
Looking ahead, Anjelina hopes LTWP will continue to strengthen its relationship with the community. She sees potential in skills development for young people from the area. Anjelina Orre’s story shows LTWP’s commitment to its people and the communities it serves, demonstrating how opportunity, mentorship, and dedication can lead to profound and lasting growth.
