Deal #4560

The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project is located in a region inhabited by indigenous communities, including the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, and El Molo peoples. The Turkana are the dominant group in the area, known for their nomadic pastoralism, relying on livestock for their livelihood. The Samburu, closely related to the Maasai, also practice pastoralism and have a deep cultural connection to the land. The Rendille, another nomadic community, primarily herd camels, adapting to the region’s harsh climate. The El Molo, one of Kenya’s smallest indigenous groups, traditionally depend on fishing in Lake Turkana for sustenance. These communities have raised concerns regarding land access and the project's impact on their traditional way of life​.

According to the report "Tropha Estates Limited Baseline Survey", consultations with local communities have been conducted. Multiple meetings were held with a variety of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, local community representatives, women's and youth groups, NGOs, and government authorities. Key milestones include: May 26, 2007: Meeting with community elders in Loiyangalani. November 16-25, 2007: Investigative and consultative mission in the project area for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). April 21-22, 2008: Stakeholder consultation in Loiyangalani to review ESIA findings. May 4-16, 2009: Consultative mission to design the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. July 17-18, 2009: Formal stakeholder consultation for the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Gold Standard in Loiyangalani. The document notes that local inhabitants, mainly nomadic pastoralists, raised concerns about land access and transparency in the leasing process with the project developer. Additionally, a gender-focused consultation was conducted, recognizing that poverty in Malawi is closely linked to gender disparities. It was recommended that outgrower programs include gender-based planning to increase women's participation. The report highlights that involving more women in these programs provides them with greater economic opportunities and enhances community well-being, as women are primarily responsible for education and healthcare costs​

The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project generated conflicts among local communities, primarily due to land access disputes and unequal distribution of benefits. The El Molo community was displaced in October 2007 following tribal clashes, raising further concerns about resource access. Increased competition for natural resources, such as firewood, heightened tensions between locals and incoming workers. Additionally, concerns emerged regarding rising crime, prostitution, and the spread of HIV/AIDS due to the influx of non-local workers. Some community members also feared favoritism in employment opportunities and benefit distribution. These conflicts underscore the need for greater consultation and transparency in large-scale projects affecting indigenous and vulnerable communities

The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project triggered land-related conflicts, mainly due to displacement and restricted access to grazing areas. The El Molo community was displaced in October 2007 following tribal clashes, exacerbating concerns over land tenure. Pastoralist communities, including the Turkana, Samburu, and Rendille, raised objections about the loss of grazing land and the lack of transparency in the leasing process. Additionally, there were tensions over land ownership, as the project area was under the control of the Marsabit County Council, which allocated the lease without direct community involvement. These disputes highlight the precarious land rights of indigenous groups and the need for clearer legal recognition of customary land tenure

Contracted smallholders receive training and some of them irrigation infrastructure. The company has constructed water points around the farm to reduce the distance community members have to travel to access water.

Several organizations have supported communities affected by the Lake Turkana Wind Power Project, including Food for the Hungry International (FHI), Community Initiatives Facilitation Assistance (CIFA), Pastoralist Integrated Support Programme (PISP), Mosaretu Women Group, Kifaru Women Group, and the Nayori Environmental Conservation Rehabilitation Youth Group. These organizations have worked on livelihood support, resource access, women's rights, and community development. They have also engaged in meetings with local communities to address project impacts and advocate for the inclusion of community concerns​.