Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)’s plan to set up a landmark wind power plant in Marsabit County has run into fresh turbulence, as host communities express sharply divided opinions on key aspects of the project.
The proposed venture—expected to eventually produce up to 1,000MW, making it Africa’s largest wind farm—has triggered disagreements over naming rights, land acquisition, site office location, and the route for transporting turbines and other heavy equipment.
According to documents and community submissions, four professional associations from Marsabit wrote to KenGen on June 27, disputing the project’s current name and operational approach. They suggested renaming it the Loiyangalani–Mt Kulal Wind Power Project to reflect what they consider the correct geographical and cultural identity of the host area.
However, pushing back against these proposals, North Horr MCA Tura Ruru Elema wrote an earlier letter dated June 23, insisting the project be called the Gas Wind Power Project, arguing that Gas is the legitimate host community. He also claimed that some of the professionals opposing the current naming do not represent the true interests of the Gabra community.
The internal rifts have introduced new uncertainty into KenGen’s timeline. The company intends to begin with 200MW by 2028, scaling up in phases to 1,000MW. Any prolonged disputes over boundaries, naming, or land agreements could slow down preparatory work, including surveys, public participation, and environmental impact assessments.
The divisions come at a time when Marsabit is emerging as a high-potential renewable energy hub. Yet, the tension also echoes earlier complaints by local groups who argue that mega energy projects must be conducted with full community consultation, clear land-use agreements, and transparent benefit-sharing frameworks.
KenGen has not yet issued a detailed public response to the new proposals, but insiders say stakeholder engagement will intensify in the coming months as the company seeks to secure community backing and avoid delays to one of the country’s most strategic green-energy projects.
If successful, the Marsabit wind project would significantly boost Kenya’s renewable energy capacity and strengthen national grid stability—while positioning the northern region as a pillar in Kenya’s clean energy transition.