The Marsabit Wind Power Plant that is planned by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) in Marsabit County has split the host communities. Different groups are currently expressing divided opinion on key aspects of the wind power plant project.
The locals surrounding the project’s site seem sharply divided. As for now, they are pushing KenGen to consider their views. These views from the locals include the name of the project, opposing the firm’s proposed name of Marsabit Wind Project.
Project Factsheet
Developer and owner: Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen).
Location: Marsabit County, Kenya
Total planned capacity: Up to 1,000 MW (1 GW). This would make it the largest planned wind farm in Africa.
Initial phase capacity: 200 MW
Expected commissioning year (initial phase): 2028.
Other Issues from the Surrounding Community
Additionally, other issues that concern the communities, but they appear unable to present a united front, include the route that the firm will use in the delivery of the equipment to the site. Also, another issue is the location of the site office and lastly is how KenGen should go about the land acquisition process.
Capacity of the Wind Power Plant
KenGen is planning to build a wind power plant in Marsabit that will boast an initial capacity of 200 megawatts. The wind power plant is expected to be ready in 2028. Furthermore, the later phases of the project are expected to see the plant’s power-generating capacity increase to 1,000MW. This therefore makes it the largest planned wind farm in Africa so far.
Additionally, the communities in the locality where KenGen plans to put up its power plant are now jostling for the benefits that they expect will come in the event of the project construction phase and when it becomes operational.
Four different professional associations wrote a joint letter to KenGen on June 27, pointing to areas where they think that the company might make changes so as to endear the project to the community.
The professionals suggested that KenGen abandon the project name Marsabit Wind Power plant. Instead of this name, the project should adopt the name Loiyangalani–Mt Kiulal Power Project.
Also read: KenGen to Construct 1GW Kenya Wind Firm which is set to be the Largest in Africa
