Wind power in Kenya

Kenya has historically relied on imported crude oil and natural gas from nations such as the United Arab Emirates to provide electricity.

[7][8] Over the past two decades the nation is gradually reducing its reliance on fossil fuels through investments in renewable energy such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydro powers (source of renewable energy which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity).

[9] Wind power has provided the nation with the ability to remove reliance on fossil fuels since the early 2000s.

Electricity demand in Kenya has had a steady growth rate of around 5.6% annually, and is projected to reach 5,780 MW in 2030.

[10][11][13]Kenya resides in the equatorial zone, a subsection of the tropics known to provide substantial wind and solar energy resources.

[28] The LTWP was commissioned to aid Kenya in reaching its sustainability goal of consuming 100% green energy by 2030.

[1][29] The LTWP generates 310 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity to Kenya's national grid through the 365 44-meter wide turbines and 436 km of transmission lines installed during construction.

[49] While the LTWP finalized project was not nullified, Marsabit County was given one year to correct the process before the land would be returned to the community.

[6] According to an updated ESIA summary from 2011, some potential negative impacts include increased fire risks, soil erosion, air pollution, and terrestrial habitat alteration.

[6] Trees and brush needed to be cut down to make room for construction and be used as fuel wood and building materials.