Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) recently hosted Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, at the wind farm in Loyiangalani, Marsabit county. The high-profile visit coincided with our sixth year of powering Kenya with clean, reliable energy.
Joined by LTWP Executive Chairman George Njenga, CEO Max Schiff, Hon. Joseph Lekuton (MP, Laisamis Constituency), and other key stakeholders from KETRACO, Kenya Power, and the State Department for Energy, the visit underscored LTWP’s significant and meaningful contribution to Kenya’s energy security and sustainable development objectives.
Since it started operations in 2018, LTWP has delivered 9.5 billion kWh of clean energy to the Kenyan grid, contributing approximately 12% of Kenya’s total energy supply.
The project currently employs nearly 600 people, both directly and through contractors, providing much-needed employment opportunities in the region, with 81% of LTWP employees coming from Laisamis Constituency. Through its NGO, Winds of Change, LTWP has invested over €6 million (KSh 840 million) in vital community development projects, including healthcare, water supply, education, and infrastructure across Laisamis.
CS Wandayi’s visit underscores LTWP’s role in Kenya’s ambitious goal of achieving 100% green energy by 2030, solidifying our position as a case study of a successful public-private partnership (PPP) project.
LTWP is Africa’s largest wind farm and a key driver of Kenya’s sustainable development. “LTWP’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the conducive investment environment fostered by the Government of Kenya,” said George Njenga LTWP Executive Chairman.
“We are grateful for the Government’s continued support, which has enabled us to deliver significant economic and social benefits to the nation. This partnership demonstrates Kenya’s attractiveness as a destination for renewable energy investment,” he further added.
A successful PPP case study
The success of LTWP as a public-private partnership was a recurring theme throughout CS Wandayi’s visit.
“LTWP is a case of a successful public-private partnership. All our stakeholders are happy. Kenyan businesses and households are receiving reliable, clean and affordable energy. The local community is seeing meaningful investment in its development. Employees and dependants enjoy financial independence and stability. Lenders are being paid as expected. Investors are starting to see returns, and the project is exceeding its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. That we have another 14 years left on our Power Purchase Agreement is good news for all.” said Max Schiff, LTWP CEO.
CS Wandayi further emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investors.
“LTWP is an example of how public-private partnerships can drive sustainable development and contribute to Kenya’s prosperity. This project is not only providing clean, affordable energy to Kenyans but is also creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and attracting foreign investment. It demonstrates that Kenya’s green energy vision is not just a dream, but a tangible reality,” said CS Wandayi.
A sustainable future
With 14 years remaining on the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and the potential for future expansion, LTWP is poised to continue its transformative impact for years to come. The project serves as a powerful reminder that sustainable development is not just about generating clean energy, it’s about creating a brighter future for all.
“This project is directly aligned with the government’s vision for a green and prosperous Kenya. We are committed to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030, and LTWP is a key partner in realizing that goal,” added CS Wandayi.
By displacing heavy fuel oil (HFO) for thermal power generation, LTWP has saved the Kenyan economy KSh 167 billion in fuel imports and KSh 117 billion in energy cost savings for consumers.
LTWP is a powerful reminder that sustainable development is not just about generating clean energy, it’s about creating a brighter future for all. By embracing collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to ESG principles, Kenya can continue to unlock its vast renewable energy potential and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for its citizens.
Watch the highlights from the visit here: https://youtu.be/iq7cobq912A
