Kenya Electricity Generating Company’s (KenGen) Ksh150 billion wind energy project in Loiyangalani Ward, Laisamis Constituency, has run into headwinds.

A coalition of professionals from Marsabit County has raised concerns over exclusion and a lack of community involvement in the project’s formulation and development.

The group, representing the Rendille, El Molo, Turkana, and Kulal professional associations, has opposed the project’s current framework, citing insufficient consultation, cultural misrepresentation, and fears of socio-economic marginalisation.

Host community

In a joint memorandum, the professionals called on KenGen to rename the initiative to reflect local identity, proposing “Loiyangalani–Mt Kulal Wind Power Project” instead of the current “Marsabit Wind Power Project.”

They argue that the new name would better acknowledge the unique cultural and geographical realities of the host community.

“Failure to engage meaningfully with indigenous communities could compromise the viability of the multi-billion-shilling wind energy investment,” they warned.

Also at the centre of their protest is the proposed site for the administrative office, which they argue is mislocated in Gas, a settlement distant from where the majority—estimated at 80 per cent—of the turbines will be situated between El Molo Bay and Larachi.

They argue that placing the site office nearer to these hubs would ensure better accessibility and project efficiency.

Further, objections were raised about the planned route connecting Nairobi, Laisamis, Marsabit, Maikona, and North Horr, which the professionals say diverts economic and infrastructural benefits away from the underserved western parts of Laisamis.

As an alternative, they propose a shorter route—Nairobi–Laisamis–Edward Road–Namarei–Sarima–Kibirok—which would integrate remote areas and stimulate local development.

A central part of their argument involves land acquisition and tenure security. Citing the use of the IEBC map for boundary definition, they urge KenGen to acknowledge the deep ancestral connection between indigenous communities and the land.

“Land acquisition from indigenous communities must be handled with care, considering legal, ethical, and cultural factors,” the statement says.

The professionals called on KenGen to factor in the ongoing community land registration process overseen by the Marsabit County Government.

They emphasised that any allocation of community land “will only occur once all necessary documentation is finalised.”

KenGen is yet to publicly respond to the issues raised, but the objections put a spotlight on the complex intersection between energy development, indigenous rights, and regional equity.

Investor engagement

Signed by the chairmen of the four professional associations, the letter calls for transparency and accountability before KenGen proceeds with any financial commitments or investor engagement.

The professionals are demanding that KenGen “validate community engagements and or reports with existing professionals’ associations of the host community” before moving forward.

“In conclusion, we respectfully request that KenGen address these concerns before proceeding further with the project,” they wrote.

“Our community’s heritage, land rights, and developmental needs must be prioritised to ensure that this project benefits all stakeholders in a fair and sustainable manner,” they said.

The wind power initiative is expected to be among the largest of its kind in East Africa, with the potential to enhance national power capacity, improve energy access, and position Kenya as a leader in renewable energy.

However, the resistance from host communities underlines a critical message: development without inclusion may face more friction than momentum.