Lamu County govt now accepts Sh21bn wind power project

The Lamu County government has finally agreed to have a Sh21 billion wind power project to be set up in Baharini, Mpeketoni following months of speculations.

Earlier the county government had vowed not to support the project on grounds that the investor had not provided a clear plan of how the affected people would be resettled.

The project, which is run by a consortium of three companies, Elicio from Belgium, World Bank through the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and a Kenyan firm, Kenwind Holdings Limited, is expected to generate 90 megawatts of electricity when completed.

Addressing residents of Baharini during the handing over of a Sh9.1 million goodwill cheque to 26 farmers by the investors on Wednesday, Lamu Deputy Governor Eric Mugo said enough consultations had so far been done and that the investor was free to go ahead with the project.

Mr Mugo dismissed claims that the county government has been frustrating investors by rejecting key government projects in the area.

He said there was communication breakdown between the investor and the county government which had now been resolved.

Mr Mugo said the Lamu County leadership was willing to work together with various investors in order to ensure developmental projects are implemented in the region.

PROVED GOODWILL

He said the Bahari wind project investors had proved their goodwill and intentions for the people of Lamu.

“No one has ever opposed the wind power project. Our only problem was on how well our people’s interests were going to be addressed especially the issue of compensation. I understand we had problems of communication but we have reached a consensus with the investor,” said Mr Mugo.

Kenwind Holdings Company Director Susan Nandwa lauded the move and said the project would benefit Lamu people and Kenya as a whole.

Ms Nandwa said the company was also planning to set up a trust a Sh40 million fund that will enable the youth and women to engage in projects that will improve their livelihoods and also promote education and the general welfare of the people.

She said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure all those who gave their land for the project are resettled and compensated.

Lamu Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Sangolo said the national government will work with the investor to ensure the project is a success.

“I am happy that the investor and the county government leadership are now working together. This is a mega project which will create jobs for our youth and change livelihoods. Let us join hands in making the project a success,” urged Mr Sangolo.

A total of 3,206 acres of land in Baharini have already been set aside for the project.