In a compelling turn of events, Kenya’s ambitious wind-energy agenda is facing heightened scrutiny. The conflict over major wind-power projects in northern Kenya has shifted from boardrooms and courtrooms to the floor of the National Assembly.
This escalation is more than political theatre. It sheds light on unresolved questions of transparency, stakeholder consultation, land rights, and the very pace of Kenya’s energy transition. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and what’s at stake.
The Roots of the Fight
Northern Kenya particularly Marsabit County is home to some of the country’s most promising wind corridors. Local MPs argue that the state and developers have sat on unrealised potential for years. For instance, one member pressed for immediate action in areas like Bubisa, noting average wind speeds of about 11 m/s a strong technical case for wind energy.
Yet what should have been a straightforward race to harness the wind has become mired in bureaucracy. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has reportedly been ordered by the courts twice to make public details of wind-power projects in Marsabit. Still, progress remains slow, and questions linger. The focus has now moved to Parliament, signalling that the dispute is not only technical but also political.
What’s the “New Twist”?
The real change isn’t just that MPs are asking questions, it’s that their concerns now center on implementation delays and disclosure failures.
What began as an industry government tug of war has evolved into a multi-actor confrontation:
- Courts demanding disclosure and compliance
- Parliament demanding accountability
- Communities questioning why potential remains untapped
- Investors frustrated by regulatory uncertainty
That convergence is the “twist.”
Why It Matters for Kenya’s Energy Future
- Energy Access & Reliability – Delays in projects mean slower rollout of affordable, green energy, which affects both households and industry.
- Investor Confidence – Wind projects are capital-intensive, and persistent opacity discourages financing.
- Land & Community Rights – Northern Kenya’s wind sites often overlap with indigenous lands. The insistence on disclosure suggests earlier processes may have sidelined full consent.
- Policy & Governance Precedent – How this saga resolves could set the tone for Kenya’s renewable project governance in the coming decade.
Also read: How Many Wind Farms Would It Take to End South Africa’s Load-Shedding?
Key Questions Being Raised
- What exactly has been disclosed under the court orders?
- Why are projects with proven wind potential still stalled?
- Who benefits and are communities meaningfully included?
- Will parliamentary oversight drive real change, or add another layer of delay?
