Belgian firm Elicio, its Kenyan partner Kenwind and the International Finance Corporation can finally go through with the development of the Mpeketoni wind plant, a 90 MW plant which is to be established in the Lamu County.

For a long time, local farmers backed by the County’s authorities opposed the project, and went to court even asking for the cancellation of acquisition process for the lands which were to host the project. However, they retracted.

Talking to the people of the region, deputy governor Eric Mugo said consulting has been done repeatedly, and that firms that signed 26 farmers a Sh9.1 million check (about $90,000), could proceed with the process.

The County’s representative said the region had nothing against the project, mentioning a misunderstanding caused by a lack of communication between the two parties. He further affirmed that the local authorities were opened to collaboration with any investor willing to implement projects in the region.

Despite its great potential for wind-energy projects, implementing energy projects in the Lamu County is extremely challenging. Presently, Elicio and US firm Cordisons, respectively supported by the National Land Commission, are fighting over a 11,000 acres site where is to be developed a wind park with an average capacity of 95 MW.

Gwladys Johnson