By Gokulnath, eFACiLiTY® Customer Success Consultant
On October 14th, I embarked on my first international business trip, leaving the familiar grounds of Coimbatore, where SIERRA ODC is headquartered, for Nairobi, Kenya. I boarded an Indigo flight, excited but nervous about the journey ahead. This wasn’t just any assignment—it was my first international project, and I was about to represent SIERRA ODC on a global stage, supporting the eFACiLITY® implementation for the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) project.
At Coimbatore airport with my parents, en route to Nairobi, Kenya
I wasn’t alone in feeling a blend of excitement and nervousness—my parents shared those emotions too, as this marked my first international journey, and I was venturing alone to an entirely new continent.
After an 8-hour journey, with a layover in Mumbai before continuing on to Nairobi, I finally arrived in Kenya’s vibrant capital. My stay at the Convent International Hotel in Nairobi offered a welcome respite, giving me a chance to unwind and explore the dynamic city. As I roamed the bustling streets, I was immersed in the sights and sounds of a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
While commercial flights soar at 40,000 feet above the earth, SIERRA has taken me to heights I never imagined—both in the air and within myself.
But the adventure truly began when I boarded a 2-seater Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX in Nairobi for the two-hour flight to Lake Turkana. Yes, you read that right—a Cessna! I was the only passenger, sitting next to the pilot, soaking in every moment as the landscape of Kenya unfolded below me. The desert terrain gave way to the stunning blue expanse of Lake Turkana, and I couldn’t help but feel that this experience was something special. There’s something surreal about seeing the world from that perspective, and as we descended into the remote location, I knew I was about to be part of something impactful.
Standing beside the aircraft that took me on this unforgettable journey
Soaring over Kenya’s scenic landscape—rivers, hills, and misty mountains framed by the aircraft wing
Before we explore how eFACiLITY® has optimized operations at LTWP, here’s a quick look at what makes this project so significant.
eFACiLITY® Implementation
Now, let’s talk about the real reason I was there: the eFACiLITY® implementation. LTWP, with its 365 wind turbines spread over an area of 40,000 acres, needed a comprehensive solution to manage their assets, automate work orders, and streamline spares and tools management. And I was there to make it happen.
A majestic Vestas wind turbine symbolizing top-tier wind energy
Want to see this journey come to life? Watch this video where I take you through the breathtaking flight to Lake Turkana, the eFACiLiTY® implementation, and the unforgettable experiences along the way!
It was a big task, but over the next three weeks, I worked closely with the LTWP team to get everything in place. We created a comprehensive database of all their assets and tools, which laid the foundation for a system that would not only manage maintenance activities but also track inventory and streamline spare parts management. We automated their work order system, making everything easy to track. Getting sign-off from their CEO and DCTOs felt like a huge win. The feedback? They were thrilled with the implementation and the support we provided.
One of the most rewarding parts of the project was working closely with the LTWP team and visiting each site in person. I gathered in-depth information from every location, transforming it into structured data that the system could easily work with. This hands-on approach played a crucial role in helping the client make smarter decisions about maintenance and asset management.
By automating key processes and integrating systems, we reduced downtime, cut back on manual tracking, and enhanced asset management overall. LTWP now has a robust tool in place, driving efficiency and sustainability across their operations.
The scale of the project was staggering: LTWP provides about 11% of Kenya’s total electricity demand, their operations were complex. But with eFACiLiTY®, the whole system started running smoother and more efficiently.
In front of Kenya’s national electricity substation
With Mr. Sylvester, DTCO, LTWP captured during a collaborative moment
Food
Kenya offered me unforgettable culinary experiences. The standout dishes were Nyama Choma, perfectly grilled meat, and Ugali, a simple yet satisfying staple that complemented every meal. The rich yet unpretentious flavors of Kenyan cuisine showcased the freshness of the ingredients. Trying unique street foods like crocodile and turkey—rare in India—added an adventurous twist to my journey.
Kenyan cuisines at the restaurant
I appreciated the cultural contrast in meal structure, where meat takes center stage and rice plays a supporting role. Meals like Sukuma Wiki (collard greens) and Chapati further immersed me in Kenya’s culinary heritage, emphasizing authentic, fresh flavors over heavy spices. Sharing Nyama Choma with the LTWP team, amid laughter and conversation, enhanced the experience, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the authenticity and warmth of Kenyan food.
Hospitality
The hospitality I experienced in Kenya, particularly at the Lake Turkana Camp, was exceptional. Despite its remote desert location, the camp offered remarkable comfort, including a spacious tent with modern amenities like a fridge, cooling system, and cozy bedding. The staff provided round-the-clock support with unwavering warmth and care.
Beyond the camp, I enjoyed enriching activities such as swimming, guided tours, and cultural interactions. A highlight was sharing a meal with local fishermen near Lake Turkana, savoring freshly caught fish cooked on-site alongside Ugali. Their kindness and generosity left a lasting impression, and I’m deeply grateful for the genuine hospitality and unforgettable experiences Kenya offered.
The restaurant at the LTWP camp offered a diverse selection of delicious meals, providing a cozy and convenient haven to enjoy food throughout the day. After long hours of work, it became the perfect spot to relax and recharge before diving into the next task.
The clubhouse at LTWP was the perfect retreat to unwind and socialize after work. Its welcoming atmosphere provided a cozy space to connect with colleagues, share stories, and take a much-needed break from the day’s demands.
Lake Turkana Camp clubhouse featuring a spacious lounge area with a swimming pool
Sharing a ride with colleagues & local fishermen across the stunning Lake Turkana landscape
Reflections
Looking back, it wasn’t just about the systems we put in place—it was about the connections we made, the trust we built, and how SIERRA ODC’s values guided every step. The quality of work, timely delivery, and the best use of technology were crucial to making this project a success. At the heart of it all was the partnership we built with LTWP, and I’ll never forget the leadership and collaboration we shared.
Kenyan cuisines at the restaurant
On October 21st, after wrapping up the project, I flew back via UAE, reflecting on everything I had learned and experienced. The work was challenging but rewarding, and the personal growth was something I’ll carry with me forever. From the excitement of flying in a Cessna to the satisfaction of completing the implementation, this was an unforgettable chapter in my career.
The entire experience was more than just a project; it was an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. I came back with not only a deeper understanding of what we do at SIERRA ODC but also with lasting memories of an unforgettable adventure.
