Impact study highlights the transformative nature of jobs in one of the poorest counties in Kenya

Creating and supporting decent jobs is Finnfund’s key objective. A study by Niras Kenya on Socio-Economic Impact of Lake Turkana Wind Power in Marsabit highlights the transformative nature of jobs in one of the poorest counties in Kenya. The study found that with a job at the company, employees’ incomes more than doubled to nearly EUR 900 a month. Salaries and employees‘ savings cooperative have had a tremendous impact on people’s wellbeing. Before employment, over 70% of employees’ households received relief aid. After employment, this dropped to 6%. Their houses now have concrete floors and roofs of iron sheets and 70% have solar panels.

Over half of employees cook their food with gas instead of firewood as was the norm before. And their diet has changed from traditional milk and meat to also include vegetables, fruits, bread and rice. Much of the income is spent on children’s education, notably also daughters’ education. In addition to provision of jobs, the company has improved infrastructure in the area and supported provision of basic services such as water, health and education. The company refurbished over 200 kilometres of road that has enabled and increased transportation of goods and allowed people to move at affordable cost. Businesses have begun to flourish. Boreholes have reduced water borne diseases by 30%, child mortality has gone down due to better availability and quality of health services and education outcomes have improved with better furnished schools.

Read the full study here

More information:

Juho Uusihakala
Senior Development Impact Adviser, Finnfund
juho.uusihakala (a) finnfund.fi

tel. +358 50 549 3198