NAIROBI, Kenya- In an inspiring win for clean energy and community impact, Kenya’s Craftskills Wind Energy International Limited, developer of the Kipeto Wind Farm, has earned the prestigious 2024 United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year Award.
This award, given to individuals or institutions advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), celebrates Kipeto’s leadership in sustainable development and climate action, alongside its efforts to uplift local communities in Kajiado County.
The Kipeto Wind Farm, located in Esilanke, Kajiado County, is Kenya’s second-largest wind energy facility, generating 100 megawatts (MW) through 60 General Electric (GE) turbines.
Since its launch in 2021, Kipeto has been powering roughly 250,000 Kenyan households daily, contributing clean energy directly to the national grid.
With a focus on advancing SDG 13: Climate Action, the wind farm offsets an estimated 175,741 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, marking it as a vital force in Kenya’s journey toward a sustainable energy future.
Kipeto’s impact goes far beyond energy generation. The company has embraced its role in community building by creating a community trust that reinvests 5pc of the project’s annual profits back into local initiatives.
This community-driven trust has enabled projects ranging from school upgrades to clean water initiatives, all managed by local representatives.
Kipeto also constructed 84 homes for residents living within 500 meters of the turbines, further demonstrating its commitment to community welfare.
During construction, the project created over 900 jobs, including 400 local roles, and has retained 70 long-term employees, each benefiting from training to enhance career prospects.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson praised Kipeto’s multifaceted impact, noting, “Kipeto’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development sets a high standard for responsible corporate behavior.”
He highlighted the initiative’s contribution to Kenya’s economic and social landscape, from investing in schools and healthcare to providing essential housing for nearby residents.
As the United Nations celebrates its founding each year by recognizing individuals or organizations that bring the SDGs to life, Kipeto stands out as a beacon of corporate responsibility.
