Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Turkana Wind Power

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
—°
Lake Turkana Wind Power (Kenya)

Weather…

The Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) project is the largest wind farm in Africa and a major pillar of Kenya's renewable energy strategy. Located in the Loiyangalani area of Marsabit County, the farm harnesses the consistent, high-speed winds of the 'Turkana Corridor,' which blows year-round due to thermal gradients between the lake and the surrounding desert. The project features 365 Vestas wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 310 MW, enough to provide clean power to over one million Kenyan homes. Since its full commissioning in 2019, LTWP has supplied approximately 15% to 20% of the national electricity grid, significantly reducing the country's reliance on expensive and polluting diesel-powered thermal plants. The development required massive logistical efforts, including the rehabilitation of 200 kilometers of road for turbine transport and the construction of a 438-kilometer transmission line to the Suswa substation. LTWP stands as a landmark for private-sector investment in African infrastructure and is central to Kenya's goal of achieving 100% green energy generation by 2030.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262728272626252627272626
Rain mm21124472381516179275135

📋 Practical info

🏭
What is this place?
Lake Turkana Wind Power is the largest wind energy project in Africa, supplying clean electricity to Kenya's national grid. Its massive turbines dominate the landscape near Lake Turkana, symbolizing the region's shift toward renewable energy and economic development.
🚪
Visiting
The wind farm is not open to public tours, but the turbines are clearly visible from surrounding public roads. Visitors can appreciate the scale of the installation from a distance, typically from the main highway or nearby villages.
👀
Where to view it
The best public viewpoints are along the Loiyangalani-Marsabit road, where the entire turbine array stretches across the horizon. Early morning or late afternoon light provides dramatic views of the rotating blades against the desert landscape.
🧺
Local products
Local communities sell traditional crafts and souvenirs near the wind farm area, though there is no dedicated market. Visitors may encounter seasonal camel milk, goat cheese, or dried fish from Lake Turkana in nearby settlements.
📆
Active season
The wind farm operates year-round, with peak energy generation during the strong winds of the dry season from June to September. The construction phase has ended, but ongoing maintenance keeps the site active throughout the year.
Nearby
Combine a visit with Lake Turkana's jade-green waters, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fossil finds and unique culture. The nearby town of Loiyangalangi provides homestays and access to local Turkana and El Molo communities.

Geography

Coordinates
2.65000, 36.75000

Facts

  • Installed capacity: 310 MW
  • Number of turbines: 365 (Vestas V52 model)
  • Location: Loiyangalani, Marsabit County
  • Project cost: Approximately 620 million euros
  • Transmission line length: 438 km (272 miles) to Suswa
  • Grid contribution: 15-20% of Kenya's daily power demand

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Lake Turkana Wind Power?
It is Africa's largest wind farm, featuring 365 turbines near Loiyangalani village.
Why was the wind farm built here?
The 'Turkana Corridor' has some of the most consistent and highest wind speeds in the world.
Can you visit the facilities?
The farm can be seen from the road, but direct access to the turbines is limited.
What is its significance for Kenya's energy?
It provides up to 15% of Kenya's total electricity needs from renewable energy.
How do you reach the wind farm?
Via a long gravel road from Laisamis; a 4WD vehicle is absolutely necessary.
Lake Turkana Wind Power: where is it located?
Lake Turkana Wind Power is located in Kenya.
Lake Turkana Wind Power: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lake Turkana Wind Power: why is it worth visiting?
The Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) project is the largest wind farm in Africa and a major pillar of Kenya's renewable energy strategy.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Africa
More places in Kenya →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

More places