Wind Energy Potential in Marsabit County
Marsabit County stands out as one of Kenya’s most promising hubs for wind energy generation. According to data from the Global Wind Atlas, the county experiences average wind speeds exceeding 8 meters per second (m/s) at a height of 50 meters — ideal conditions for large-scale wind power production.
The strongest wind resources are concentrated in the western regions, particularly across North Horr, Laisamis, and Saku Sub-Counties. As illustrated in the figures below, the county’s mean annual wind speed and capacity factor at 50 meters highlight Marsabit’s immense potential for sustainable energy development.
Existing and Planned Wind Energy Projects
Marsabit County is already a leader in wind energy production, hosting the 310 MW Lake Turkana Wind Power Project—the largest wind farm in sub-Saharan Africa. Operating at an average wind speed of approximately 11.4 meters per second (m/s), the project has demonstrated the county’s exceptional wind resource and its viability for large-scale power generation.
Despite this achievement, a significant portion of Marsabit’s wind potential remains untapped. KenGen is advancing plans to develop a 200 MW wind power project within the county, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Once completed, it will become Kenya’s second-largest wind power facility, further strengthening the nation’s renewable energy capacity.
In addition to KenGen’s initiative, four other independent developers have expressed interest in establishing wind farms across Marsabit. Collectively, these planned projects represent an estimated 1,000 MW of additional installed capacity, positioning the county as a central hub for Kenya’s future wind energy expansion.
Strategic Outlook
Marsabit County’s exceptional wind resource potential positions it as a strategic frontier for wind energy development and a regional hub for renewable energy investment. To unlock this potential, there is a pressing need to prioritize supportive policy frameworks, expand enabling infrastructure, and foster strategic public–private partnerships. These efforts will be critical in ensuring that Marsabit’s vast wind resources translate into sustainable energy generation, economic growth, and long-term resilience for the region.
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