Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP), through its dedicated NGO, Winds of Change (WoC), officially handed over a new, fully equipped medical laboratory to the South Horr community. This milestone project, delivered in partnership with Davis & Shirtliff and Z. Boskovic Air Charters Ltd, signifies LTWP’s 100th community initiative.
The new facility is classified as a Level 3A medical laboratory, and it will serve a catchment population of approximately 5,800 people, significantly upgrading the quality and range of healthcare services available in the region.
The handover ceremony was attended by LTWP’s CEO, Max Schiff, who served as Chief Guest, the Director of Winds of Change, Felix Rottman, representatives from partner organisations Davis & Shirtliff and Boskovic, the area Member of County Assembly, officials from the Samburu County Department of Health, including County Executive Committee (CEC) member Nassir Lekudere, LTWP staff representatives, and members of the South Horr community.
LTWP CEO Max Schiff stated, “When I first joined LTWP, I knew I had joined one of the leading energy producers in Africa. What I quickly learned is that at LTWP, investing in the development and well-being of our communities is just as important as producing electricity. Community development is part of LTWP’s purpose, it’s part of our DNA and it’s in our hearts.”
CEC Lekudere underscored the project’s significance, expressing gratitude to LTWP for the state-of-the-art project. He noted that “as the name (Winds of Change), suggests, change is indeed touching the lives of people of Laisamis and Samburu.” The community of South Horr expressed their appreciation through traditional song and dance performances during the ceremony.
The new facility is operational, complete with furniture and medical equipment, transforming access to comprehensive medical services that were previously a significant challenge for residents. The facility is furnished with eight doctor’s tables and chairs, eight patient chairs, four waiting chairs, and one set of examination room furniture.
Medical equipment includes ENT Diagnostic tools, Sphygmomanometers for blood pressure measurement, Stethoscopes, fully automatic Biochemistry and Electrolyte analysers, a Haematology analyser, a Hemoglobinometer, an 85-litre Refrigerator, a microscope, and a 3-parameter Vital Signs Monitor.
This investment ensures the community can now reliably access a range of services. These include curative services for common illnesses, Mother and Child Health Care (MCH) services such as pre- and post-natal care, health promotive services including immunisation programs, on-site laboratory services for tests like rapid malaria diagnostics, basic emergency care for minor injuries, and reproductive health services including family planning and normal deliveries.
Symbolising a commitment to a sustainable future, the ceremony also featured a tree planting activity involving guests and community members. The community further demonstrated their appreciation by presenting traditional gifts to the distinguished guests, reinforcing the bond of partnership.
Since its inception, WoC has invested approximately KES 900 million in a diverse portfolio of projects aimed at improving the quality of life for local communities. These initiatives span critical areas including expanding access to water, enhancing educational opportunities, improving health services, supporting livelihoods, fostering peacebuilding efforts, and providing essential emergency relief. In the health sector specifically, WoC has supported the construction of maternity wards, male wards, dispensaries, hospital wings, and solar-powered health facilities, alongside organizing medical outreach camps in partnership with local and international NGOs such as Mission to Heal and Health Yetu Foundation. WoC’s commitment underscores LTWP’s broader purpose of contributing to the well-being and sustainable development of the communities it serves.
