Land and Wind: Challenges and Consequences of the Lake Turkana Wind-Power Project on Indigenous Peoples' Land

The Lake Turkana Wind Project (LTWP) in Marsabit County, Kenya, was Africa's largest wind energy initiative, contributing 310 MW of capacity, nearly 17% of Kenya's total electricity generation. Launched as part of Kenya's commitment to renewable energy under Vision 2030, the project demonstrated the potential for international collaboration in energy transitions. Supported by stakeholders from Denmark, Finland, the UK, and Kenya, and financed by institutions like the African Development Bank and European Investment Bank, the LTWP reflected a landmark private-sector investment in renewable energy. While hailed for its contributions to energy resilience, job creation, and infrastructure development, the project also faced significant challenges. The LTWP intersected with complex local issues, including the rights of Indigenous pastoralist communities, communal land-use dynamics, and debates over equitable benefit distribution. These tensions culminated in legal disputes over land rights, raising broader questions about corporate social responsibility (CSR), stakeholder engagement, and the role of multinationals in developing economies. The case provided students and practitioners with a platform to analyze the multifaceted impact of large-scale renewable energy projects. It encouraged critical thinking about the intersection of energy policy, sustainability, and socio-economic development, while exploring strategies for navigating stakeholder conflicts and fostering equitable outcomes. This case is part of the CBS free case collection (visit www.thecasecentre.org/CBSfreecases for more information on the collection).