Locheremoit: More than 300 households in Locheremoit, Turkana Central sub-county, have benefited from solar-powered energy funded through a partnership involving the European Union, the Government of France, the United Kingdom, and the County Government of Turkana. Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai joined European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger and her French counterpart Arnaud Suquet to commission the Green Mini-Grid Programme in Locher-Emoit.
According to Kenya News Agency, Geiger urged residents to make productive use of the new infrastructure, saying investments in sustainable energy create opportunities for communities while supporting long-term economic development. She encouraged the community to maximize the benefits of the project and honor the partnership that made it possible.
On his part, Suquet described energy as a fundamental driver of development, noting that the mini-grid would serve more than 30,000 residents while contributing to Kenya’s electrification ambitions. Suquet reaffirmed France’s commitment to working alongside the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the County Government of Turkana to promote inclusive development and unlock the county’s tourism and economic potential.
The area governor described the project as a transformative investment that will spur business growth and expand access to reliable, clean energy for residents. Lomorukai expressed gratitude to the development partners for their continued support, noting that the impact of their investments was already evident in businesses benefiting from affordable and reliable power in Locher-Emoit, one of Turkana’s most vibrant trading centers.
Lomorukai appealed for additional renewable energy investments in Turkana, including a project similar to the Lake Turkana Wind Power initiative in neighboring Marsabit County. Such an investment, he said, would meet local energy demand while supplying excess power to the national grid and generating revenue for the county. He also pointed to the potential of the Napuu Aquifer, noting that its development could significantly improve water supply in the county.
The county Chief Officer for energy, Triza Imoni, said the project was implemented following a request by the governor to extend clean energy solutions to Locher-Emoit, citing the area’s immense economic potential. She called on the residents to protect the infrastructure and appealed for support in developing the county’s Energy Strategy and Energy Bill to strengthen the sector and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Local Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir welcomed the project, saying reliable electricity would enable businesses to operate for longer hours, improve security, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Also present at the launch were County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai, Chief Officer for Finance Robert Lotaruk, Chief of Staff Peter Loyapan, representatives of development partners, and local leaders.
